DR Congo, 4 others qualify for 2026 World Cup as Italy, Poland miss out

Five countries officially secured their 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets through playoff routes on Tuesday, with DR Congo making history. The African nation beat Jamaica 1-0 thanks to Axel Tuanzebe's dramatic extra-time winner. In major upsets, Bosnia and Herzegovina eliminated Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while Sweden defeated Poland 3-2. Turkey ended a 24-year wait by beating Kosovo 1-0, and Czechia overcame Denmark on penalties after a 2-2 draw. The final remaining spot will be decided when Iraq faces Bolivia on Wednesday. DR Congo's qualification means another African team joins the tournament, while Italy's absence represents one of the biggest shocks in recent World Cup qualification history.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/01/world-cup-2026-dr-congo-others-qualify-as-italy-poland-miss-out/