Tuanzebe reflects on DRC lifetime World Cup euphoria

Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has reflected on ‘once in a lifetime’ sights and sounds that followed after the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The Burnley FC defender struck in second half, arriving in the box to guide a ball from a left-flank corner-kick into the net.

🇨🇩 GAAAAAAAAAAL DE LA R D CONGO!!!

AXEL TUANZEBE APARECE EN EL SEGUNDO PALO Y ABRE EL PARTIDO CON JAMAICA EN EL ALARGUE!!! pic.twitter.com/cv5EcEjToV

— Nahuel Lanzón (@nahuelzn) March 31, 2026

With that goal, the Leopards edged Jamaica 1-0 in Mexico during an inter-continental play-off on Tuesday, March 31.

The goal for Tuanzebe was enough to secure the DRC a return to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, a feat the English-born fullback described as historic.

How Tuanzebe shook an injury

“It meant so much to the country, it’s been 52 years since we reached a World Cup and the energy was so special when we returned to Congo and the scenes, I saw that day is like something you will only see once in a lifetime,” the 28-year-old.

“The journey for us in the national team has been amazing and we’ve built some real momentum going into the World Cup now.”

Tuanzebe, who switched his allegiance to the country of his parents’ origin in 2024, also disclosed how he struggled with injuries before the World Cup intercontinental play-off.

“It’s been an eventful couple of weeks for sure,” he said.

“Early on before I went away, I was battling an injury here, trying to make myself available for the team here at Burnley, but it ended up falling on the international break.

“Even leading into that game on the week of it, I wasn’t so sure I was going to be able to play, but I made it and to play a role in the win was an extraordinary feeling.”

Switching focus to Burnley’s relegation threat

Now back in England and focus on Saturday’s Premier League game against Brighton and Hove Albion, Tuanzebe called for more support from the fans amid looming relegation fears.

“It’s been good to be back with the boys, training this week has been really good and you can see the team are raring to go for this weekend after a long break,” said the defender.

“Brighton away was a disappointing one for us earlier this season and we know we have to go for it now and show teams what we’re capable of.”

He added: “It’s good to be returning back home after this long break, rather than travelling to an away game, back in front of our fans.

“The fans have a huge role to play too. We can feel the energy on the pitch, and we know that comes from us playing well, but we need to all stick together in these final seven games.”