2026 World Cup 2026/ DR Congo end 52-Year World Cup wait
Axel Tuanzebe etched his name into Congolese football history on Tuesday, scoring a 100th-minute winner as the Leopards defeated Jamaica 1-0 to secure a place at the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
The Burnley defender bundled home from a corner in the intercontinental play-off final, with VAR confirming the goal after a brief handball check.
Cedric Bakambu twice saw strikes ruled out for offside as the tense affair required extra time.
Born in conflict-affected Bunia, the former England youth international dedicated the victory to a nation craving success. DR Congo will now face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in Group K.
The triumph offers redemption for a country whose sole World Cup appearance as Zaire ended in three losses and 14 goals conceded.
With a squad bolstered by diaspora talent, the Leopards aim to erase painful memories and inspire 110 million people back home.
