World Cup
DR Congo Secure Historic World Cup Return, Africa’s Representation Rises to 10
Africa’s presence at this summer’s FIFA World Cup will increase to 10 teams after the Democratic Republic of Congo edged Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in a tense Intercontinental Playoff clash in Guadalajara, Mexico, early Wednesday morning.
The decisive Path 1 encounter, which kicked off at 10 pm GMT on Tuesday, was settled deep into extra time, with Axel Tuanzebe emerging as the unlikely hero to send the Leopards back to the global stage for the first time in 52 years.
DR Congo, competing at the World Cup for the first time since their 1974 appearance as Zaire, became the 47th nation to book a place at the tournament. They will now feature in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.
In a match largely devoid of clear-cut chances, both sides adopted a cautious approach in regulation time. DR Congo started the brighter, with captain Cedric Bakambu seeing an early goal ruled out for offside, but they failed to capitalise on their early dominance.
Jamaica gradually grew into the contest, with Kasey Palmer and Leon Bailey providing flashes of attacking threat, particularly in the second half. However, despite their improved showing, the Reggae Boyz struggled to create meaningful scoring opportunities.
Bakambu thought he had finally broken the deadlock late in normal time, only for his effort to be ruled out again for offside, compounding DR Congo’s frustration and sending the match into extra time.
With fatigue setting in for both teams, it was ultimately a set piece that proved decisive. In the 100th minute, substitute Brian Cipenga delivered a corner from the left that evaded everyone in the box before bouncing in off Tuanzebe, who had surged forward from defence.
There was a brief VAR review for a possible handball, but the goal stood, sparking jubilant celebrations among DR Congo players and fans.
It may not have been a goal of great quality, but its significance was immense — sealing a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage and ending decades of disappointment for the Central African nation.
For Jamaica, however, the result extends their wait for a second World Cup appearance, with their only previous outing remaining France 1998.
The victory marks a remarkable resurgence for DR Congo, whose footballing history has been marked by long periods of decline since their pioneering World Cup appearance in 1974. On a sunlit afternoon in Guadalajara, they finally rewrote that narrative, turning past pain into present triumph.
Now, with their place secured, the Leopards can look forward to a new chapter and a long-awaited summer adventure on the world stage.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Italy’s World Cup exile continues after they fell to a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their playoff final on Tuesday following a 1-1 draw.
Four-time champions Italy had lost out at the playoff stage to miss the last two World Cups, and their last qualification in 2014 coincided with Bosnia’s only previous appearance.
Italy got off to the perfect start, with Moise Kean putting them ahead in the 15th minute, but had Alessandro Bastoni sent off four minutes before the break to raise the hopes of the home side.
Bosnia levelled 11 minutes from time through Haris Tabakovic , and both Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their penalties, while the hosts made no mistake from the spot to repeat their semi-final shootout win over Wales.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Turkey ended a 24-year wait to qualify for the World Cup by beating Kosovo 1-0 in their playoff final on Tuesday, sealing a return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2002 when they reached the semi-finals.
Forward Kerem Akturkoglu scored the only goal in the 53rd minute, turning the ball in from close range after Orkun Kokcu’s shot, following a driving run from Kenan Yildiz down the left.
Turkey, ranked 25th in the world, had fallen short in qualifying campaigns over the past two decades and arrived under pressure to deliver, with coach Vincenzo Montella overseeing a squad blending emerging talents and experienced internationals.
“Thank God. It has been 24 years. Some of us were not even born the last time we qualified, and some were too young to remember. We always dreamed of moments like this,” Akturkoglu told Turkish TV.
“We talked about 2002 and the success there, we always dreamed of it. Most of us don’t even remember 2002. Now we will give the next generation something to dream about at the 2026 World Cup. We want to make our country proud,” he added.
For Kosovo, ranked 79th and playing in front of a sold-out crowd, the defeat brought an end to a remarkable run that had taken them to the brink of a historic debut at a major tournament, less than a decade after joining FIFA and UEFA.
The hosts pushed forward in the closing stages, taking risks in search of an equaliser and creating several chances, but were unable to beat Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir as the visitors held on.
Turkey will face Australia, Paraguay and co-hosts the United States in Group D of the World Cup. The tournament will also be hosted by Canada and Mexico.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
FIFA president Gianni Infantino threw his support behind Iran’s World Cup preparations on Tuesday, attending their 5-0 friendly win over Costa Rica in Turkey, even as their tournament participation is in limbo due to Middle East tensions.
Infantino’s surprise appearance came as Iran continues pushing to relocate the team’s World Cup matches from the U.S. to Mexico, citing the American military involvement alongside Israel in strikes that sparked the current regional war.
Iran’s federation said earlier this month that they were in discussions with FIFA about the venue switch, while Iran’s Sports Ministry has banned national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile until further notice.
FIFA, however, has maintained it is looking forward to all participating teams “competing as per the match schedule” announced in December.
“I am very pleased that the Iran national team is currently holding its training camp… We have only one plan for this team. Iran has qualified for the World Cup and will play in the tournament,” Infantino was quoted as saying by Iranian media at the match in Antalya.
“Personally, I will do whatever I can to make sure everything is in order.”
Iran, who dominated the Asian qualifying rounds to book their place at the tournament in March last year, are scheduled to play all three Group G matches on American soil — two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle — against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
INFANTINO PLEDGES SUPPORT TO IRAN TEAM
Speaking directly to the Iranian team, Infantino pledged his support but steered clear of the wider issues surrounding the dispute, saying they were “not pursuing politics”.
U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this month that while Iran’s national team were welcome to play in the U.S., it might not be appropriate for their “life and safety“.
“From now until the World Cup, I will do whatever I can to support the Iran national team,” Infantino said.
“If you want to organise a training camp or if there is any matter related to activities outside the country, whatever it is, I will help.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
FIFA Cancels Thousands of Hotel Rooms in World Cup Host Cities Amid U.S. Immigration Concerns
- World Cup5 days ago
World Cup Fans, Players And Officials Face $15,000 Visa Bonds to Enter U.S.
- AFCON2 days ago
AFCON to Expand to 28 Teams as CAF Unveils New Competition Calendar
- CAF Champions League1 week ago
Ten-man Zamalek hold on in dramatic Otoho clash to reach semi-finals
- World Cup1 week ago
Absent Giants: Big Football Nations Missing from the 2026 World Cup
- AFCON2 days ago
CAF May Sanction Senegal Over AFCON Trophy Parade
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
NFF Extraordinary Congress to Set Stage for September Elections in Yenagoa
- AFCON1 week ago
Guinea FA Dismisses ‘Walkout’ Claims in 1976 AFCON Clash with Morocco