DRC Qualifies for 2026 World Cup After 52-Year Absence

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking its first appearance in 52 years.

DR Congo secured the historic spot after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Jamaica in an intercontinental play-off match played on Tuesday night, March 31, 2026.

The decisive goal came in the 100th minute of extra time, courtesy of Burnley defender and former Manchester United player Axel Tuanzebe.

DRC Qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup

His strike, which VAR briefly reviewed for a possible handball, was allowed to stand after officials confirmed there was no foul.

The goal marked Tuanzebe’s first international goal and sealed DR Congo’s return to the global stage for the first time since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire.

The Leopards have been drawn into Group K, where they will face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

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Elsewhere, Bolivia also secured qualification through the intercontinental play-offs after defeating Iraq. The South American side will be returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1994.

On the same day, several European teams secured their spots through the continental play-offs. Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Italy on penalties after a 1–1 draw, while Sweden beat Poland 3–2 in regulation time. Türkiye edged Kosovo 1–0, and the Czech Republic overcame Denmark on penalties following a 2–2 draw.

In Africa, nine teams qualified directly by topping their groups: Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, South Africa, Ghana, and Cape Verde.

About the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first to feature 48 teams.

It will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Also Read: Former FIFA Boss Tells Fans to “Stay Away” From U.S. World Cup Matches

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, two matches will be played, both in Group A.

Group A consists of Mexico (co-host), South Africa, South Korea, and the Czech Republic.

On the first day of the tournament, the host nation Mexico, will face South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. At the same time, South Korea will take on the Czech Republic at Estadio Akron, also in Mexico City.

Co-hosts Canada and the United States will begin their campaigns the following day (June 12).

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