Nigeria, April 1 -- The Democratic Republic of Congo have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in over five decades.

The Leopards sealed their place at the 2026 tournament as the 10th African team after edging Jamaica by a lone goal in a decisive intercontinental play-off clash early Wednesday morning in Mexico.

A dramatic late winner from Axel Tuanzebe proved decisive, as the defender struck from close range in extra time to hand the Leopards a 1-0 victory and confirm their return to football's biggest stage for the first time since 1974.

Then known as Zaire, DR Congo were among the early pioneers of African participation at the World Cup, becoming only the third team from the continent to qualify after Egypt (1934) and...