DR Congo Qualify for World Cup — First Time in 52 Years After Extra-Time Win Over Jamaica

DR Congo qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974 — a 52-year absence — defeating Jamaica 1–0 after extra time in the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff Pathway 1 Final at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. Axel Tuanzebe's extra-time goal decided the match. DR Congo, who had earned their intercontinental playoff spot by winning a CAF playoff tournament ahead of Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon, enter Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Jamaica's Reggae Boyz — who had beaten New Caledonia 1–0 in the semifinal — fell short of ending their own 28-year World Cup absence (Jamaica last played at France 1998). DR Congo's emotional qualification was celebrated as a landmark moment for Central African football.