Axel Tuanzebe
DR Congo defender who scored a 100th-minute winner to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Last refreshed: 1 April 2026
Will Tuanzebe's tournament experience from English football anchor DR Congo's defence?
Latest on Axel Tuanzebe
- Who is Axel Tuanzebe?
- A defender born in DR Congo and raised in England who came through the Manchester United academy. He scored in the 100th minute to send DR Congo to the 2026 World Cup.Source: FIFA
- Did DR Congo qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
- Yes. Tuanzebe scored in the 100th minute to beat Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in Guadalajara on 31 March 2026.Source: FIFA
Background
Axel Tuanzebe is a defender born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in England, where he came through the Manchester United academy. He chose to represent the DR Congo national team. On 31 March 2026, Tuanzebe scored in the 100th minute of extra time to give DR Congo a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in Guadalajara, qualifying DR Congo for the 2026 World Cup.
His goal came deep into extra time of a cagey playoff encounter. The match was played in Guadalajara under heightened security, with over 2,000 officers deployed. Tuanzebe's decision to represent DR Congo rather than England, despite having played in the Premier League, reflects a broader pattern of diaspora players choosing African nations when both options are available.