DR Congo beat Jamaica to reach World Cup via intercontinental finals | World Cup 2026 News

Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe scores in extra time as DR Congo beat Jamaica 1-0 in the play-off qualifiers.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are the latest team to book their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their 1-0 extra-time win against Jamaica in their intercontinental play-off final.

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 player bundled the ball over the line from a corner in the 100th minute, but had to wait more than a minute while it was checked for a possible handball before it was confirmed as a goal.

“We made it very difficult for ourselves, maybe the opportunity passed us by,” said Tuanzebe, who now plays his club football for Burnley in the English Premier League.

“To score the winning goal for your country… This is what every player dreams of

“I’m so proud of what I was able to do for the country, I’m so proud of the country, and now it’s time to celebrate.”

It was as much as the Congolese deserved, after dominating proceedings in a fast-flowing game, albeit without many clear-cut chances at Estadio Guadalajara, which will be one of three Mexican venues for the World Cup.

The victory means that there will be 10 teams from Africa in action at the 2026 edition of football’s showpiece event.

The DRC defeated Nigeria in a play-off at the end of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifiers to reach the intercontinental stage.

Jamaica beat New Caledonia on Thursday in their intercontinental journey to reach this stage, while DRC’s ranking – as one of the African sides – meant they were placed straight into the final.

They have only reached the finals eleven times before – in 1974 as Zaire. Similarly, Jamaica first reached the finals in 1998 in France.

The DRC will now join the World Cup group of Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, playing the former in their opening game.

The last World Cup place available will be decided in the other intercontinental final between Iraq and Bolivia, to be played later on Tuesday.