Sports
DR Congo Beat Jamaica to Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup After 52-Year Wait
The Democratic Republic of the Congo secured a historic return to the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Jamaica 1-0 in an intercontinental playoff decided after extra time on Tuesday.
The decisive encounter, held at the Akron Stadium near Guadalajara, saw Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe emerge as the hero. His extra-time strike proved enough to send the African side to their first World Cup finals appearance in 52 years.
DR Congo, whose only previous participation dates back to the 1974 tournament, showed resilience and tactical discipline to edge past a determined Jamaican side in a tightly contested playoff.
With qualification secured, DR Congo have been drawn into a challenging Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Congolese football, reigniting hopes of making a strong impression on the global stage after decades of absence.
Follow BONA NAIJA for more
