By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Late Drama Seals DR Congo Spot as 10 African Teams Qualify for 2026 World Cup
Africa will have a record-breaking presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with ten countries qualifying for the tournament, the highest ever from the continent.
The final slot was secured in dramatic fashion as DR Congo national football team edged past Jamaica national football team 1-0 in their intercontinental play-off clash on Tuesday night.
After a tense 90 minutes ended goalless, the breakthrough finally came deep into extra time. Axel Tuanzebe rose to meet a corner and fired home in the 100th minute, sealing a hard-earned victory for the Congolese side.
DR Congo had earlier fought their way into the play-off after eliminating Nigeria national football team, underlining their resilience throughout the qualification journey.
The result confirms their return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they competed under the name Zaire.
Drawn into Group K, the Leopards will face tough opposition in Colombia national football team, Portugal national football team, and Uzbekistan national football team.
With their qualification, DR Congo completes the list of African teams heading to the tournament, joining Senegal, Ghana, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Cape Verde — marking a historic moment for African football on the global stage.
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