DR Congo seal historic World Cup return after 52 years

The Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Jamaica national football team in their inter-confederation playoff on Tuesday.

Axel Tuanzebe proved the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 100th minute of extra time. The former England U21 international bundled the ball over the line from a corner, although celebrations were briefly delayed as the effort underwent a VAR check for a possible handball before being confirmed.

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DR Congo’s victory was well deserved, having controlled much of a fast-paced encounter that produced limited clear-cut chances at Estadio Guadalajara—one of the host venues for the tournament scheduled from June 11 to July 19.

This marks only the second World Cup appearance for DR Congo, whose first came 52 years ago when the nation competed as Zaire. Their qualification also makes them the 10th African nation to secure a place at the tournament.

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The Congolese side has been drawn into Group K, where they will face the Colombia national football team, the Portugal national football team, and the Uzbekistan national football team.

Elsewhere, the Iraq national football team booked their place at the World Cup with a playoff victory over the Bolivia national football team, earning a spot in the same group as France.

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Meanwhile, the Italy national football team missed out on a third consecutive World Cup after suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.