×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Informed Minds Prefer The Standard
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

DR Congo fans dance in the rain after sealing World Cup spot for first time in 52 years

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

DR Congo players and coaching staff celebrate after qualifying for the World Cup during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a 1-o win over Jamaica at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, on March 31, 2026. [Ulises Ruiz / AFP]

Delirious football fans took to the soaked streets of the capital Kinshasa and danced into the night in the rain after the Democratic Republic of Congo reached the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.

Defender Axel Tuanzebe, who plays in the Premier League for Burnley, was the hero with the only goal in a 1-0 win over Jamaica after extra time in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico on Tuesday.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Uncover the stories others won't tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
By AFP 9 hrs ago
Football
Embattled FIFA boss Infantino target of letter from UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC
By AFP 11 hrs ago
Premier League
Arteta backs Guimaraes to 'ignite something different' at Arsenal
By AFP 11 hrs ago
Football
Outsiders Malawi reach WAFCON semi-finals and World Cup
By Ben Ahenda 11 hrs ago
Boxing
New champions emerge at Robert Wangila tourney