The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the latest team to book its spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after its 1-0 win against Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff final, following extra time.
Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe netted the only goal in the first half of extra time to settle the tie after a tense affair in normal time. It was as much as the Congolese deserved, having dominated proceedings in a fast-flowing match, albeit without many clear-cut chances, at Estadio Guadalajara, which will be one of the three Mexican venues for the World Cup.
The victory means there will be 10 teams from Africa lining up at the 2026 edition of football’s showpiece event. The DRC defeated Nigeria in a playoff at the end of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifier to reach the intercontinental stage.
Jamaica beat New Caledonia on Thursday in their intercontinental pathway to reach this stage, while DRC’s ranking as one of the African sides meant they were placed straight into the final.
