Football: Extra-time goal sees DR Congo return to the FIFA World Cup
Axel Tuanzebe's goal in the 100th minute ensured DR Congo's appearance at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in more than 50 years on Tuesday (31 March)
www.olympics.comHere’s the latest news on the DR Congo national football team based on recent public reports:
- DR Congo reached the AFCON 2025 semifinals, with coach Sebastien Desabre guiding the Leopards to a strong run and aiming to extend their momentum in the knockout stage. This reflects a notable improvement in performance and morale for the squad amid ongoing regional challenges.[1]
- In 2026, DR Congo qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974, with a dramatic extra-time victory securing their spot in the 2026 tournament. This milestone marks a historic high for the program and is celebrated widely in Kinshasa and across the country.[2]
- Ahead of AFCON 2025, Desabre named a 26-man squad for the tournament in Morocco, signaling stability and continuity in selection as the Leopards prepare for Africa’s premier competition.[3][5]
If you’d like, I can pull more details on match results, player selections, and upcoming fixtures, or summarize each item with dates and key moments. I can also provide a concise timeline of DR Congo’s recent competitive performances and notable milestones.
Citations:
- DR Congo AFCON 2025 semi-final run and coach comments.[1]
- World Cup qualification and celebrations in Kinshasa.[2]
- AFCON 2025 squad announcement and context.[5][3]