DR Congo Pick Up Africa's Final 2026 World Cup Spot

DR Congo pick up Africa’s final 2026 World Cup spot

April 1, 2026
Alie Bittar @bittar32

After 52 years since their last World Cup participation as Zaire in the 1974 finals in West Germany, where they fell to Scotland, Yugoslavia, and Brazil, the central African country is set to make their return.

In an intercontinental playoff going to extra time, the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Jamaica 1–0 on Tuesday.

From a corner in the 100th minute, Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the game-winning goal, hence guaranteeing Congo’s place in Group K against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

Having eliminated African powerhouses Nigeria and Cameroon to get to this playoff in Mexico, the Leopards’ path to the World Cup has been spectacular.

Though DR Congo dominated possession throughout the game versus Jamaica and battled to breach a strong defence, an early goal was disallowed for offside, and despite the continued threat of Cedric Bakambu, Jamaica had only one significant opportunity.

Tuanzebe finally found the net in extra time following a few near misses, giving Congo the lead and a historic return to the World Cup.