Axel Tuanzebe’s goal against Jamaica on Tuesday night ended the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 52-year wait for World Cup qualification.
Whenever there is an international break, Manchester United fans like to keep up to date with how their current or ex-players are doing.
It was a shame to see Denmark fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup because that meant Rasmus Hojlund and Patrick Dorgu would miss out on competing at the tournament this summer.
That said, those same fans will be keen to watch how other nations – involving players with a United connection, past or present – such as Portuguese duo Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot or Ivorian star Amad Diallo.
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Axel Tuanzebe celebrates with DR Congo fans
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Axel Tuanzebe reflects on the greatest moment of his career
One of the biggest stories from the World Cup play-offs was DR Congo’s qualification.
Former United defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Jamaica to secure qualification for the World Cup.
The cagey affair ended in favour of DR Congo as Tuanzebe scored in the 100th minute, confirming the nation’s presence at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.
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The Burnley defender wasn’t the only former United player in the DR Congo team, as he was joined by West Ham right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Authorities in DR Congo declared Wednesday a public holiday following the result, so Tuanzebe will be seen as a national hero for a long time. The African nation has only played at the World Cup once before, in 1974, when the country was named Zaire.
Taking to Instagram, Tuanzebe shared a video of his headed goal against Jamaica, describing it as the greatest moment of his career.
Reactions flooded in to the post from the likes of Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Timothy Fosu-Mensah, but it was a message from former United coach Benni McCarthy that stood out most.
McCarthy worked with Tuanzebe at United during Erik ten Hag’s tenure, so the South African coach was happy to see the defender steer DR Congo to the World Cup.
“Massive congratulations my guy,” McCarthy wrote.
“Top stuff and incredibly happy for you and your team.”
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Kobbie Mainoo playing for England against Uruguay
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Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will face Man Utd duo at World Cup
DR Congo’s qualification has led to mass celebrations. The next step is competing at the World Cup and reaching the knockouts for the first time.
That won’t be easy as DR Congo will face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.
DR Congo’s first game is against Portugal on 17 June. Tuanzebe and Wan-Bissaka will be tasked with coming up against two United players, with Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes expected to feature for Roberto Martinez’s side.
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