DR Congo ended a 52-year wait to reach the FIFA World Cup, beating Jamaica 1–0 in the intercontinental play-off final at Estadio AKRON in Mexico.
The tightly contested match went into extra time. The key turning point came when defender Axel Tuanzebe scored in the 100th minute, sealing a historic qualification and sparking celebrations.
Congo now faces Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group F.
Despite several chances created by striker Cédric Bakambu, Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake denied him multiple times, keeping the game level.
Both sides hit the woodwork before halftime — Meschack Elia for DR Congo and Leon Bailey for Jamaica.
After the break, Bakambu continued to threaten, but Andre Blake denied him again. Yoane Wissa also missed a chance. Congo’s 85th-minute goal was ruled offside against Théo Bongonda.
With penalties looming, Tuanzebe struck in the 100th minute after a defensive lapse from Jamaica. Congo created more chances and limited Jamaica’s attack, with Bakambu a persistent offensive threat.
Jamaica endured a defeat that ended their World Cup hopes. Possession favored them at 52.5%, and they completed more passes than Congo. However, clear scoring chances remained elusive.
Head coach Rudolph Speid expressed disappointment, noting that small moments decided the closely contested encounter.
“I think we lost concentration on a set play, and I think that made the difference between winning and losing,” Speid said. “The players gave 100 %. I thought the players played more relaxed. We had confidence and belief.
“The players, coaching staff, we tried our best. We got a few opportunities, but it wasn’t to be. We tried our best, and I think that is what most Jamaicans expected.”
