World football governing body FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) have sent congratulatory messages to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DR Congo are the latest team to book their spot at this year’s competition, after their 1-0 win against Jamaica, following extra time, in their intercontinental playoff final in Mexico in the early hours of Wednesday.
Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the only goal in the first half of extra time to settle the tie after a tense affair in normal time.
The former England under-21 international bundled the ball over the line from a corner in the 100th minute, but had to wait for more than a minute while it was checked for a possible handball before being confirmed as a goal.
The Congolese will now head to their second World Cup after featuring at the 1974 edition in the former West Germany.
Commenting after the win against Jamaica, FIFA and CAF took to their X handle to salute the two-time Africa Cup of Nations champions.
CAF wrote:”52 years later. The return was worth the run. Already proud, DRC. 🇨🇩🩵.”
According to FIFA:”Dreams unlocked. 🔓🇨🇩 Congo DR are going to the #FIFAWorldCup.”
To reach the intercontinental play-off, DR Congo defeated Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties after regulation time ended 1-1, in the African play-off in November, in Morocco in 2025.
By James Agberebi
