DR Congo’s midfielder #18 Charles Pickel (L) and defender #04 Axel Tuanzebe celebrate after winning the match and qualifying for the World Cup during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers final playoff football match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Jamaica at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, on March 31, 2026. (Photo by Ulises Ruiz / AFP)
The Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in an intercontinental playoff on Tuesday to seal their first World Cup appearance in 52 years.
Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the game’s only goal at the Akron Stadium near Guadalajara to send the African side to this summer’s finals, where they will face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.