Person

Axel Tuanzebe

DR Congo defender who scored a 100th-minute winner to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Last refreshed: 1 April 2026

Key Question

Will Tuanzebe's tournament experience from English football anchor DR Congo's defence?

Timeline for Axel Tuanzebe

#431 Mar

DR Congo Beat Jamaica AET in Guadalajara; Security Holds Again

2026 FIFA World Cup

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Common Questions

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

How did Axel Tuanzebe score for DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup?

Axel Tuanzebe scored a 100th-minute winner for DR Congo against Jamaica in extra time in Guadalajara on 31 March 2026, sending the Democratic Republic of Congo to the 2026 World Cup. Tuanzebe, who came through the Manchester United academy, chose to represent DR Congo rather than England.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.

How the World Sees Them

Jamaica

Jamaica's qualification bid ended at the final stage for the second consecutive cycle. The 1-0 defeat to a last-minute goal was a painful exit from a match they could have won.

DR Congo

Tuanzebe's late winner in a tense extra- time playoff sparked enormous celebrations. His decision to represent DR Congo rather than England has been celebrated as a source of national pride.

African football

DR Congo's qualification adds Africa's largest French-speaking nation to the field. Their diaspora-augmented squad reflects the changing face of African international football.