Former England youth international Axel Tuanzebe became a national hero on Tuesday after scoring the decisive goal that sent Democratic Republic of Congo to the World Cup.
The defender struck in extra time against Jamaica in the inter-confederation playoff final, sealing a historic qualification for DR Congo — their first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.
“To get the winning goal for the country, this is what, as a young boy, you dream about,” Tuanzebe said. “It’s happened for me, and I’m so very happy. I’m so proud of what I could do for my country.”
Born in DR Congo but raised in the United Kingdom from the age of five, Tuanzebe developed through the ranks at Manchester United, joining the club at just eight years old and breaking into the senior squad as a teenager. After leaving the club in 2023, he moved to Ipswich Town before later joining Burnley.
Despite representing England at youth level, Tuanzebe switched allegiance to DR Congo at the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, having previously been approached ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.
“My dad has been with me all the way and is here,” he said, pointing to the stands. “My brother too.”
DR Congo have been drawn in Group K at the World Cup, where they will face Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre praised his squad, many of whom are part of the African diaspora across Europe, for their unity and determination.
“I’m so happy for the Congolese people and these players. They have fought resiliently through these qualifiers,” he said.
With a population of nearly 110 million, DR Congo’s qualification has sparked celebrations across the nation, as fans look forward to seeing their team return to football’s biggest stage after more than five decades.
