Congo DR Qualifies for 2026 World Cup with Historic Win

The Congo DR national football team secured its place in the 2026 World Cup by defeating Jamaica 1-0 in the intercontinental playoff final held on Tuesday night. The decisive goal was scored by Axel Tuanzebe, who found the net from a corner kick in the 100th minute after a goalless regular time.

This victory is significant as it marks the first time in history that ten African countries will represent the continent at the World Cup. The last time the Congo DR participated in the World Cup was in 1974 when the team was known as Zaire.

The Congo DR will join nine other African teams, including Senegal, Ghana, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Cape Verde, in the tournament scheduled for summer 2026.