DR Congo Reach World Cup Finals for Second Time, Kinshasa Erupts in Celebration

Axel Tuanzebe settled 52 years of waiting with a single tap-in in the 100th minute, sending the Democratic Republic of Congo to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Jamaica at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico.

The goal, Tuanzebe's first at international level, secured DR Congo's place at the finals for only the second time in the nation's history. Their sole previous appearance came in 1974 when the country competed under the name Zaire, an outing that ended in three defeats and a goal difference of minus 14.

Delirious fans poured into the rain-soaked streets of Kinshasa and danced well into the night after the result was confirmed. Fan Beni Ile, shoulders wrapped in a dripping national flag, captured the mood: "We gave it our all, right here in the rain!"

The DRC government responded by declaring Wednesday, April 1, a nationwide paid public holiday. For a capital city of roughly 17 million people, the decision formalized what the streets had already decided.

Striker Cedric Bakambu, who came closest to breaking the deadlock in regulation, told FIFA: "We're happy, we're really delighted. It was a difficult match today. I don't think we fully realise it yet, but when we get back to Kinshasa, it's going to be crazy."

Tuanzebe, a former Manchester United defender who now plays for Burnley in the Premier League, acknowledged the nerves that nearly derailed the campaign: "We made it very difficult for ourselves, perhaps the occasion got the better of us."

DR Congo will face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in Group K at the North American tournament this summer. The victory also confirmed that 10 African nations will feature at the 2026 World Cup. The Leopards reached the intercontinental playoff stage by eliminating both Cameroon and Nigeria through the CAF qualifying rounds, a path that required beating two of the continent's most established footballing nations before they even arrived in Mexico.

Captain and veteran presence on the squad offered a measured note amid the celebrations: "We're going to enjoy the qualification, but we'll keep working." With a Group K that includes 2016 European champions Portugal, that focus will be needed quickly. But on the streets of Kinshasa, Wednesday belonged entirely to the rain and the dancing.