DR Congo End 52-Year Wait with World Cup Qualification
The DR Congo national football team have written a new chapter in their football history after securing qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Jamaica national football team.
The decisive moment came in extra time, with Axel Tuanzebe scoring the crucial goal that sealed qualification and ended a 52-year wait for the Central African nation.
This achievement marks only the second World Cup appearance for DR Congo, whose first came in 1974 when the country competed as Zaire. The result has sparked widespread celebrations among supporters, signalling a significant milestone in the nation’s football journey.
Veteran striker Cédric Bakambu admitted the magnitude of the moment is still sinking in.
“Right now, I don’t think we fully realise it yet, but when we get back to Kinshasa, it’s going to be crazy,” he said.
DR Congo have been drawn into Group K for the tournament, where they will face Portugal national football team, Colombia national football team, and Uzbekistan national football team in the group stage.
Their schedule sees them open their campaign against Portugal on 17 June in Houston, before taking on Colombia in Guadalajara on 23 June. They will conclude the group stage against Uzbekistan on 27 June in Atlanta.
Beyond national pride, DR Congo’s qualification also contributes to a broader milestone for the continent, with Africa set to have a significantly increased representation at the 2026 World Cup.
This historic achievement not only underlines the Leopards’ resurgence but also reinforces Africa’s growing influence on the global football stage.
