Tuanzebe, Former England Under-21, and Burnley FC Defender Fires DR Congo Back to the World Cup After 52-Year Absence

The Democratic Republic of Congo has secured a long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup, defeating Jamaica’s “Reggae Boyz” 1–0 in a tense play-off final decided in extra time by Axel Tuanzebe.

Tuanzebe, 29, born in eastern DR Congo and now playing for Burnley FC, struck in the 100th minute, reacting quickest at the back post after a poorly cleared set-piece to tap home the decisive goal. His intervention ends a 52-year absence from the global tournament and confirms Les Leopards of the DR Congo’s return to football’s biggest stage.

The country last appeared at the World Cup in 1974 under the name Zaire, where it exited at the group stage following heavy defeats to Brazil, Scotland and Yugoslavia. This latest qualification represents both redemption and renewal.

The match was finely balanced, with DR Congo creating the clearer chances. Cédric Bakambu, of Real Betis, saw an early effort ruled out for offside and later tested Andre Blake, whose outstanding performance kept Jamaica level and forced extra time.

Try as they might, Jamaica could not find a way back. The second half of extra time was disrupted by an injury to referee Facundo Tello, who left the pitch in tears with an apparent calf problem. Despite late pressure, Jamaica were unable to respond.

DR Congo now advances to a challenging group featuring Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia, with their opening match scheduled against Portugal in Houston.

Ranked 48th in the world and 7th in Africa, the Central African nation—home to more than 120 million people—continues to produce top-level football talent. Among them are Claude Makélélé, who starred for Chelsea FC and Real Madrid; Romelu Lukaku, formerly of AC Milan; Trésor LuaLua of Newcastle United; and current internationals Chancel Mbemba, now at LOSC Lille, and Yoane Wissa  at Newcastle.

Axel Tuanzebe, Burnley FC Defender. Picture @Leopards

Speaking after the match, Tuanzebe acknowledged the pressure of the occasion. “We made it a very difficult game for ourselves,” he said. “It was so frustrating, there were some nerves, the pressure got to us a bit. But once we found our rhythm, we were the better team.

“To get the winning goal for the country is something you dream about as a young boy. It has happened for me and I am very happy.”

For DR Congo, the victory caps an 18-month qualification campaign spanning 13 matches. Their return to the World Cup will begin against Portugal, marking the start of a new chapter for a nation re-emerging on football’s global stage.

For Jamaica, the defeat extends their absence from the tournament to nearly three decades, compounded by uncertainty following the departure of former manager Steve McClaren earlier in the campaign.