Axel Tuanzebe's 100th-minute extra-time winner propelled DR Congo to their first World Cup in 52 years with a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff final at Guadalajara Stadium. The former England youth international, born in conflict-affected Bunia, cemented his place in Congolese football history with the decisive strike. Leopards striker Cedric Bakambu had two goals correctly ruled offside during normal time, highlighting the tight contest that required the additional 30 minutes to separate the teams.

Jamaica, aiming for their second World Cup appearance since 1998, failed to create significant chances for an equalizer. DR Congo will now join Group K at the expanded 48-team tournament, facing Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. This marks Congo's 13th qualifying match since their campaign began in November 2023, culminating in a second-place finish behind Senegal in their group and victories over Cameroon and Nigeria in African play-offs.