The Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco, witnessed a heroic feat on Tuesday. In a do-or-die duel for the penultimate ticket to the 2026 World Cup, the Democratic Republic of the Congo team managed to beat Jamaica 1-0 in an overtime that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The hero of the night was Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe, who in the 100th minute took advantage of an oversight in the Caribbean defense to send the ball into the back of the net. After 90 minutes of nervousness and few clear chances, Tuanzebe’s goal unleashed African madness on Mexican soil, sealing the return of the “Leopards” to soccer’s greatest stage.
Congo eliminates Jamaica
Congo DR 🆚 Jamaica
Congo DR book their ticket for the #FIFAWorldCup. pic.twitter.com/EGTleZf4As
– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 1, 2026
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s qualification is no mean achievement.
The last (and only) time this country stepped foot in a World Cup was in Germany 1974, when they were still competing under the name of Zaire.
It has taken 52 years of frustrations and failed processes for the African team to return to the elite.
With this result, Congo joins Group K, where they are already facing strong rivals: Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
It will be a group of contrasts where the Africans will be looking to prove that their physical power and the talent of their European legionnaires are ready to spring a surprise.
World Cup puzzle almost ready
🇨🇩 GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL BY CONGO D R!!!
AXEL TUANZEBE APPEARS AT THE SECOND MOUNT AND OPENS THE MATCH WITH JAMAICA ON THE EXTEND!!! pic.twitter.com/cv5EcEjToV
– Nahuel Lanzón (@nahuelzn) March 31, 2026
The intercontinental play-off matchday has been a real sporting carnage.
While Congo celebrated in Zapopan, elsewhere Sweden, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Bosnia-Herzegovina (who caused the sour note by eliminating Italy) also secured their place in the tournament.
Now, all eyes are on Monterrey.
The BBVA Stadium will be the venue where the last place for the 2026 World Cup will be decided in an unprecedented clash between Bolivia and Iraq.
The South Americans are looking to bring joy back to CONMEBOL, while the Iraqis want to make history in Monterrey.
Do you think DR Congo will be able to advance in such a tough group with Colombia and Portugal?
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