Soccer-Tuanzebe shines for DR Congo as they qualify for World Cup

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, April 1 (Reuters) - Former England under-21 international Axel Tuanzebe basked in the adulation of one of Africa’s largest nations on Tuesday after his goal in extra time against Jamaica put the Democratic Republic of Congo into the World Cup.

The centre back kneed the ball home in their inter-confederation playoff final to book a first World Cup place for the Congolese since they appeared at the 1974 tournament when the country was still known as Zaire.

“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.”

Tuanzebe is Congolese-born but moved with his family to Britain as a five-year-old. He joined Manchester United aged eight and was included in the first-team squad when only 17.

A member of England’s junior sides, he was released by Manchester United in 2023 and went to Ipswich Town in the Championship.

Congo, who will play in Group K at the finals with Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan, made overtures for him to play at the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2024 but he only switched allegiance at the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

“My dad has been with me all the way and is here,” said Tuanzebe, pointing at the stands at the Estadio Guadalajara. “My brother too,” added the defender, who moved to Burnley at the start of the season.

With a population of almost 110 million DR Congo is one of the continent’s most populous countries, but the majority of its team is made up of players from an extensive diaspora across Europe, who coach Sebastien Desabre said had forged a tight group.

“I’m so happy for the Congolese people and these players. They have fought resiliently through these qualifiers,” the French-born coach said.