- DR Congo qualify for World Cup after 52-year absence.
- Tuanzebe scores extra-time winner against Jamaica in play-off.
- 2026 tournament expands to 48 teams across North America.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo sealed a historic return to the FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in their intercontinental play-off in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The decisive moment came in the 100th minute when Brian Cipenga’s inswinging corner deflected off a defender and struck Axel Tuanzebe, who bundled the ball into the net from close range. The goal was briefly checked for a possible handball before being confirmed, sparking celebrations among the Congolese players.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Teenagers Attempt Bomb Attack At Maiduguri Teaching Hospital
- APC Elects New National Executives, Full List Emerges
- Why I Resigned As Kano Deputy Governor – Gwarzo
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Cedric Bakambu had earlier seen two efforts ruled out for offside during regulation time, while Jamaica struggled to create clear chances as the match progressed into extra time.
The victory marks DR Congo’s first World Cup appearance in 52 years and completes the line-up for the expanded 48-team tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
DR Congo will begin their campaign in Group K against Portugal in Houston on June 17, 2026, before facing Colombia and Uzbekistan.
Hosts for the tournament include Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Other qualified nations span across continents, including teams from Africa such as Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, and South Africa.
The group stage draw has placed teams into 12 groups, with notable fixtures including England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L, while France, Senegal, and Norway headline Group I.
The 2026 tournament will be the largest in World Cup history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams. It is scheduled to kick off on June 11 and conclude on July 19, 2026, across multiple cities in North America.
Below Are All The countries Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Hosts: Canada, Mexico, United States
Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan
Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, DR Congo
Concacaf: Curaçao, Haiti, Panama
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Sweden, Czechia, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Oceania: New Zealand
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Draw
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Czechia
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq/Bolivia, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
FURTHER READING
- US To Deport 130 Nigerians Convicted Of Crimes
- Nigerian Students, Residents Allege Racial Profiling And Brutality in India
- TJ Abass Leads Tribute to Epe’s Political Martyrs – 11 Years On
