DR Congo Qualifies for 2026 World Cup, First Appearance Since 1974

Overview

• DR Congo secured a World Cup berth with a 1–0 win over Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff.
• Defender Tuanzebe scored in extra time after two goals were ruled out in regulation during the match played in Mexico.
• Drawn into Group K, DR Congo will face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, opening against Portugal on June 17 in Houston.
• The country last played the tournament in 1974 under the name Zaire, a campaign marked by political pressure and Ilunga Mwepu’s free-kick protest over unpaid bonuses.
• The 2026 expansion to 48 teams also brought in surprise qualifiers and returnees such as Haiti, Curaçao, Cabo Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan, signaling broader access to the finals.