DR Congo are back to the Fifa World Cup finals for the first time since 1974 following their 1-0 extra time win over Jamaica in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Axel Tuanzebe scored the winner in extra following a goalless draw in normal time.
The African nation was the best overall in a closely contested tie but had two goals disallowed for offside – both goals by Cedric Bakambu.
It was in the additional period that the breakthrough finally arrived. In the 100th minute, Tuanzebe rose to meet a corner and powered home a header, beating the Jamaican goalkeeper to spark celebrations among the Congolese players and supporters.
It is former Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre guiding the Leopards having joined the national team in August 2022.
This latest victory not only secures qualification but also confirms Africa’s expanding presence at the 2026 tournament, with DR Congo becoming the continent’s tenth representative.
Others are Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Senegal, Cape Verde, South Africa, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Ghana.
DR Congo will now face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Mexico, Canada and United States come June.
Elsewhere in the Fifa Inter-continental play off, Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1 to win the other final.
Italy miss out for third successive time
In the European play-offs, former champions Italy were beaten lowly ranked Bosnia & Herzegovina on penalties after drawing 1-1 in extra time.
They will now miss the World Cup for a third consecutive time.
Denmark will also miss out after losing to Czech Republic on penalties while Sweden led by Arsenal star Gyokeres qualified at the expense of Poland.
2002 bronze winners Turkey are also back for the first time since then following their hard fought 1-0 win in Kosovo.
