DR Congo's Historic World Cup Qualification

DR Congo qualifies for 2026 World Cup after thrilling win over Jamaica

Cedric Bakambu leads DR Congo's celebration as they join Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan in Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. DR Congo qualifies for World Cup, their first appearance since 1974, after Axel Tuanzebe's extra-time goal sinks Jamaica.

DR Congo secures historic World Cup qualification, ending 52-year wait with Axel Tuanzebe's extra-time winner against Jamaica...

Cedric Bakambu led the DR Congo team in celebrating their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Leopards secured their spot with a thrilling extra-time win over Jamaica, thanks to Axel Tuanzebe's winner at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico.

DR Congo's qualification marks a significant milestone, and Bakambu's leadership played a key role in the team's success. The striker has been instrumental in the team's campaign, and his experience will be valuable in the upcoming World Cup.

Axel Tuanzebe will cherish the memory of his goal for a long time, as it secured the Leopards' World Cup qualification since 1974. The defender's clever movement and low shot won the game, making it an unforgettable moment.

DR Congo Qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Cedric Bakambu, the Real Betis star, couldn't contain his excitement after DR Congo's thrilling win over Jamaica, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup. “When we get back to Kinshasa, it's going to be crazy,” Bakambu stating, “I can't wait to see all the Congolese people again. I don't think we've fully realised it yet.” He added, “I've never seen Congo at the World Cup. I'm going to enjoy every moment.”

The Leopards' qualification marks a significant milestone, ending a 52-year wait since their last appearance in 1974 as Zaire. Axel Tuanzebe's extra-time goal sealed the win, sparking widespread celebrations in DR Congo.

“There are too many emotions right now; I can’t even speak,” said Ngal’ayel Mukau, while captain Chancel Mbemba said: “It’s a dream come true.”

Mbemba added: “We worked hard, we made a lot of sacrifices. We suffered a lot. We fought for qualification for all the Congolese people and for all African nations. We’re proud. Now we can say we’re going to play in the World Cup.”

Samuel Moutoussamy, the Atromitos midfielder, joined his teammates in celebrating DR Congo's historic World Cup qualification, basking in the glory of their thrilling win over Jamaica.

The midfielder said: “I’ve always had that dream; I’m not going to lie to you. I’ve had that dream ever since I started playing football.

“The very day I signed with Lyon’s youth academy (in 2011), my family and I had told each other that the dream was to play in a World Cup. We did it.”

DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi said: “We’ve come a long way. We tell ourselves we didn’t fight for nothing when we see how happy everyone is.”

[📸 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐒 🇨🇩⚔️🇯🇲 1:0]

LA CÉLÉBRATION D'UN PARCOURS DE TITANS ! 🇨🇩🔥

Regardez cette explosion de joie ! Ce ne sont pas seulement des sourires, c'est le cri de tout un peuple après un parcours héroïque où nos Léopards ont lutté comme des guerriers. 🛡️💪🏾… pic.twitter.com/nhp5fUUPm4

— Fecofa RDC_Officiel 

(@FecofaRdc) April 1, 2026

DR Congo's Long-Awaited Return to the World Cup

DR Congo's last appearance at the World Cup was in 1974, and they were determined to make a comeback. The stakes were high in the final qualifier against Jamaica, with both teams vying for their second World Cup appearance. DR Congo dominated early on, with Cedric Bakambu having a golden opportunity to score, but Andre Blake made a comfortable save.

The match was intense, with both teams pushing for a goal. DR Congo's pressure paid off in extra time, as Axel Tuanzebe scored the winning goal, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup.

The Leopards were eager to return to the World Cup, which is set to kick off on June 11th and run until July 19th, with matches being played across 16 cities in the US, Mexico, and Canada. This edition will be historic, marking the first time three countries are hosting together and the first time 48 teams will compete, up from 32 previously.

Nous célébrons aujourd’hui une qualification historique pour la Coupe du Monde 2026.

Il est le fruit d’un travail collectif, de sacrifices et d’un engagement total des joueurs, du staff, de la fédération, ainsi que du soutien indéfectible du gouvernement et de toute la nation.… pic.twitter.com/HhnCtwBUHg

— Sebastien Desabre (@Seb_Desabre) April 1, 2026

DR Congo last appeared in the FIFA World Cup in 1974, playing as Zaire, where they were the first Sub-Saharan African team to qualify. They finished last in their group after losing all three matches.

Their campaign included a 2-0 defeat to Scotland, a 9-0 thrashing by Yugoslavia, and a 3-0 defeat to Brazil. Despite the tough outing, DR Congo will now look to make a mark in the upcoming World Cup.

DR Congo has been drawn into Group K of the finals, alongside Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan. The team is eager to turn their fortunes around and make a statement in the global tournament.