DR Congo beats Jamaica 1-0 and qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in an intercontinental play-off on Tuesday to seal its first World Cup appearance in 52 years.

Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the only goal of the match at the Akron Stadium near Guadalajara to send the African team to the final this summer, where they will play Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.

Tuanzebe provided a close finish from an inswinging corner in the 100th minute, capping off a lackluster match in hot and humid conditions.

The goal completes a dramatic qualifying campaign for the Leopards, who eliminated African football giants Nigeria and Cameroon on their way to Tuesday’s play-offs in Mexico.

It means the Central African country will play in the World Cup for the first time since the 1974 final in West Germany, when the team played under the name Zaire and were defeated by Scotland, Yugoslavia and Brazil.

Tuesday’s match went to extra time after the two sides finished 0-0 for 90 minutes, with DR Congo dominating possession but failing to find the breakthrough against a stubborn Jamaican defense.

The Congolese looked the most threatening side from kick-off and had the ball in the net after just five minutes when Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu tucked away a Meschack Elia cross low, but it was ruled out for offside.

READ ALSO | Turkiye ends a 24-year World Cup drought with a Playoff victory over Kosovo

Bakambu threatened again shortly afterwards, but his running header was comfortably scored by Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake.

With Jamaica sitting deep, Congo had ample possession but struggled to create many meaningful chances.

Elia fired into the side netting after receiving a smart lay-off off Bakambu’s chest in the 23rd minute, and threatened again ten minutes later when he burst down the right flank to force a save at the near post from Blake.

The only meaningful Jamaican chance came midway through the half, but Kasey Palmer’s deflected shot drifted wide.

The pattern continued after half-time and Bakambu almost opened the scoring again on 47 minutes when his curling shot from outside the area was parried away at full speed by Blake.

That was as good as it got for Congo, however, until a flurry of chances arose in the final minutes of regular time.

Bakambu saw a second goal disallowed after Theo Bongonda was offside in the build-up in the 85th minute, and two minutes later substitute Edo Kayembe saw a long-range effort whiz past the post.

The breakthrough finally came in extra time when Tuanzebe met a corner in the penalty area, giving Congo the lead and sealing its World Cup return.

Published on April 1, 2026