CAF Sends Message to DR Congo After Qualifying for 2026 FIFA World Cup As Nigeria Awaits CAS Verdict
- CAF has sent a warm congratulatory message to DR Congo after qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Ex-Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe’s extra-time strike sealed a 1-0 win over Jamaica in Mexico
- Nigeria still awaits CAS ruling after failed FIFA protest against DR Congo over eligibility claims
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially congratulated the Democratic Republic of Congo after the Leopards sealed a historic return to the FIFA World Cup.
The Leopards ended a 52-year wait, deepening the heartbreak for Nigeria as the Super Eagles still await the outcome of their appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Source: Getty Images
According to Aljazeera, DR Congo booked their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in Zapopan, Mexico, in a tense intercontinental playoff final.
The win marks their first appearance at football’s biggest tournament since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire.
For Nigeria, the result adds another painful layer to a qualification journey that already ended in controversy following the NFF’s failed FIFA petition.
Tuanzebe sends DR Congo to historic World Cup
With both teams chasing only their second World Cup appearance, the clash between DR Congo and Jamaica in Mexico carried enormous significance.
Source: Getty Images
After a tense 90 minutes produced no breakthrough, former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe rose to the occasion in extra time.
The defender bundled home the only goal of the game from a corner in the 100th minute, sparking wild celebrations among the Congolese players and supporters.
There was brief tension as VAR checked the goal for a possible handball, but after more than a minute of suspense, the strike was confirmed.
DR Congo’s reward is a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will now line up alongside nine other African nations, ensuring the continent’s strongest-ever representation at the tournament.
CAF sends emotional message to DR Congo
Following the historic victory, CAF quickly took to social media to celebrate the achievement.
“52 years later. The return was worth the run. Already proud, DRC,” CAF’s message reads.
The message captured the emotion of a country returning to the World Cup after more than half a century.
DR Congo’s qualification campaign has been one of resilience and endurance, stretching across 13 matches since November 2023. After finishing behind Senegal in the group phase, they fought through tough playoff ties against Cameroon and Nigeria before overcoming Jamaica in the final hurdle.
The result has also sparked celebrations back home, with April 1, 2026 officially declared a paid public holiday across the country, UG Diplomat reports.
The government’s decision underlines the magnitude of the achievement for a football-loving nation eager to relive the glory days of 1974.
Nigeria’s CAS hope remains alive amid heartbreak
While DR Congo celebrate, Nigeria’s focus remains fixed on the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had accused the Congolese side of fielding up to six ineligible players in the CAF playoff encounter that ended the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes.
FIFA dismissed the complaint, but the NFF has reportedly escalated the matter to CAS, hoping for an extraordinary reversal.
For now, however, DR Congo’s place at the World Cup is secured, and they are set to face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in Group K, starting with a blockbuster opener against the Portuguese.
FIFA sends message to DR Congo
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that FIFA has sent a message to DR Congo after securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
FIFA shared a post on its official World Cup page congratulating the Leopards on their historic feat after beating the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica.
Source: Legit.ng
