The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a historic return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974. They made it to the finals after edging Jamaica 1-0 in an inter-confederation playoff decided in extra time on Tuesday.
A dramatic late goal from Axel Tuanzebe in the 100th minute proved decisive at Estadio Guadalajara, although the defender endured a tense wait as the strike underwent a VAR review for a possible handball before being confirmed.
Tuanzebe bundled the ball over the line from a corner to register his first international goal, sealing qualification for the Congolese side after a dominant display in a fast-paced contest that produced few clear-cut chances.
“It was as much as we deserved,” DR Congo forward Cédric Bakambu said after the match. “We’re happy, we’re really delighted. Right now, I don’t think we fully realise it yet, but when we get back to Kinshasa, it’s going to be crazy.”
The victory marks only the second World Cup appearance for DR Congo, whose sole previous outing came in 1974 when the nation competed as Zaire. They now become the 10th African nation to qualify for the expanded tournament after edging out the Super Eagles on penalties in a continental playoff.
“It’s very frustrating to lose like that,” Jamaica forward Ephron Mason-Clark said after the match. “It’s tournament football — we’re just lacking a goal, that’s all. Right now, it’s difficult to take any positives.”
The match also saw an unusual interruption when referee Facundo Tello was forced off with cramp late in the game, handing over duties to fourth official Dario Herrera.
With qualification secured, DR Congo will now prepare to compete in Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan, as they return to football’s biggest stage after more than five decades away.
Meanwhile, Iraq also qualified for the World Cup set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. They beat Bolivia 2-1 to take the final World Cup place in the 48 team tournament.
