World Cup heartbreak for Jamaica as DR Congo win in extra time

Jamaica's bid to reach the 2026 World Cup ended in agonising fashion, beaten 1-0 by DR Congo after extra time in the intercontinental playoff final.

The Reggae Boyz held firm for 90 minutes but were undone in the 100th minute when Axel Tuanzebe headed home from a corner. DR Congo claimed the 47th of 48 places at the finals — their first World Cup appearance since competing as Zaire in 1974 — and were drawn alongside Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan in Group K.

For Jamaica it was a cruel end to a long campaign, but a young Reggae Boyz group will carry valuable experience into the next cycle.