DR Congo Book 2026 World Cup Ticket After Stoppage-Time Heroics
DR Congo secured their first World Cup appearance in 52 years with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Jamaica in a playoff final on Tuesday, sealing their place in the expanded 48-team tournament.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Axel Tuanzebe fired home the winner, sending the African side to the global showpiece for the first time since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire.
The tense playoff clash marked the culmination of a resilient campaign for the Leopards, who finished runners-up at the Africa Cup of Nations before navigating the final hurdle against the Reggae Boyz. Their qualification adds to a record-breaking representation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with 10 teams now set to feature in the 2026 World Cup. Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt are among the other African nations already qualified.
Back in Kinshasa, celebrations erupted as jubilant fans poured into the streets, waving flags and dancing late into the night. Among the rejoicing crowd was the iconic supporter Michel Kuka, known for his statue-still vigil at matches, who is now expected to bring his unique presence to North American stadiums for the tournament.
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