DR Congo jubilant after picking the World Cup ticket
From our Sports desk, Lagos
The DR Congo on Tuesday night, 31 March, 2026 shoved aside the Jamaica national senior men football team, to pick Africa’s remaining 10th qualifier ticket for the 2026 World cup.
The team qualified in a historic return to the FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off final, at the Estadio Akron in Mexico, reports say.
Axel Tuanzebe in the 100th minute scored the decisive goal for DR Congo enough to dump the Jamaica team, after a tightly contested encounter that was goalless throughout regular and much of the extra time.
The DR Congo would be appearing for the first time at the World Cup finals; since 1970, ending a 56-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
Head coach Sébastien Desabre, who took charge three and a half years ago, has now fulfilled a long-term objective of rebuilding the Leopards into a competitive force.
Under his leadership, the team has steadily risen in stature translating into this landmark qualification.
Both teams fought hard to break the deadlock during regulation time, with disciplined defending and missed opportunities defining the match.
However, Tuanzebe’s late strike; a composed lobbed finish ultimately sealed the victory and ignited celebrations among the Congolese supporters.
With the game outcome, DR Congo has claimed Africa’s 10th and final qualifying slot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
