The Democratic Republic of Congo qualified for the 2026 World Cup after defeating Jamaica 1-0 in their intercontinental play-off final on Tuesday. Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the only goal in the 100th minute at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. The 28-year-old converted from close range following an in-swinging corner, per the Associated Press.
The victory secures the Leopards a place in the finals for the first time since 1974, when the nation competed as Zaire. According to Sky Sports, DR Congo will join Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in Group K for the tournament this summer. Tuanzebe, who joined Burnley on a free transfer in 2025, scored his first international goal to decide the tie.
Jamaica failed to equalise during the final period of extra time, which was delayed when referee Facundo Tello left the pitch with an injury. The Caribbean side has not qualified for a World Cup since 1998, per the Jamaica Observer. DR Congo becomes the 10th African nation to confirm its place in the 48-team tournament.
