GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Former England under-21 international Axel Tuanzebe became a national hero on Tuesday after his extra-time goal against Jamaica secured the Democratic Republic of Congo’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the country was still known as Zaire.

The centre back kneed the ball home in the inter-confederation playoff final, sending the Congolese fans into celebration.

“To get the winning goal for the country, this is what, as a young boy, you dream about," said Tuanzebe. "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 Congo, Tuanzebe moved to Britain with his family at age five. He joined Manchester United at eight and was called up to the first-team squad at just 17. After being released in 2023, he played for Ipswich Town in the Championship before moving to Burnley at the start of this season.

Though a former England junior international, Tuanzebe switched allegiance to Congo at the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He had been approached to play in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations but declined at the time.

“My dad has been with me all the way and is here,” said Tuanzebe, pointing to the stands at Estadio Guadalajara. “My brother too,” he added.

Congo, which will join Group K at the World Cup alongside Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan, relies heavily on players from its European diaspora. Coach Sebastien Desabre praised the team’s unity.

“I’m so happy for the Congolese people and these players. They have fought resiliently through these qualifiers,” said the French-born coach. -Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters