The DR Congo national football team have booked a place at the expanded World Cup after a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over the Jamaica national football team on Tuesday in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Defender Axel Tuanzebe struck in the 100th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse following a corner to tap home the decisive goal. Tuanzebe, who plays for Burnley FC, pounced after Jamaican defenders failed to clear the ball.
The win in the intercontinental playoff at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara ensures DR Congo become the 47th of 48 teams to qualify for the global tournament.
It marks a historic return to the world stage for the Central African nation, which last appeared at the tournament in 1974 under its former name, Zaire.
DR Congo have been drawn into Group K, where they will face Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan.
Captain Chancel Mbemba welcomed the qualification but urged caution ahead of the tournament.
“We’re going to enjoy the qualification, but we’ll keep working. We know we’ll be facing top nations who play in the World Cup every four years,” he said. “We’ll stay humble, keep our feet on the ground, and continue to work. We’ll give everything to make our supporters and our people proud.”
Jamaica, popularly known as the Reggae Boyz, were left to rue missed opportunities as they failed to secure what would have been only their second World Cup appearance, having debuted in 1998.
DR Congo had earlier seen efforts from Nathanaël Mbuku and Samuel Moutoussamy ruled out for offside during regulation time.
The final qualification spot was set to be decided later on Tuesday, when Bolivia national football team face Iraq national football team in Monterrey, with the winner joining Group I alongside France national football team, Norway national football team and Senegal national football team.
