Dramatic Overtime Goal Sends DR Congo to World Cup
DR Congo secured a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in Zapopan, Mexico. The win earned the African side one of the final slots for the 2026 World Cup.
Match summary
The decisive game took place at Akron Stadium, on Guadalajara’s outskirts. DR Congo held the initiative for most of the match.
Jamaica reached the playoff after beating New Caledonia 1-0. DR Congo entered the tie with a ranking advantage, listed 49th by FIFA.
The decisive moment
Ten minutes into the first period of extra time, a left-sided corner produced the winner. The ball struck a Congolese player and crossed the line.
Officials reviewed the play on VAR. They determined the contact came from the knee, not the arm, and validated the goal.
Officials and incidents
Argentine referee Facundo Tello began the match as the center official. He suffered a calf injury in the second extra period.
Fourth official Darío Herrera replaced Tello to finish the game.
What the result means
A dramatic overtime goal carried DR Congo into the 2026 World Cup. The nation joins Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
This will be DR Congo’s second World Cup appearance. Their first came in 1974, when the country competed as Zaire.
1974 recap
- Brazil beat Zaire 3-0, with goals by Jairzinho, Rivellino and Valdomiro.
- Scotland defeated Zaire 2-0.
- Yugoslavia won 9-0 over Zaire.
One spot remains
The 48th and final place will be decided between Bolivia and Iraq. The match is scheduled in Guadalupe, Mexico.
The kickoff is set for 00:00 Brazilian time on Wednesday, the 1st.
Reporting by Filmogaz.com.
