Burnley defender's World Cup dreams remain alive despite penalty miss
Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe and DR Congo have taken one major step towards making history and reaching next year’s World Cup.
Congo beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in their AFCON play-off after playing out a 1-1 draw after extra-time.
Tuanzebe, who played the full 120 minutes, saw his penalty saved during a penalty shootout low on quality but high on drama.
It means Congo now progress through to the inter-continental play-off stage, which takes place in March.
They’ll need to win two play-offs, a semi-final and a final, if they’re to qualify for the 2026 competition, which is held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Should Congo qualify, it will be the first time they’ve reached the World Cup since 1974 (as Zaire).
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Tuanzebe’s World Cup dream
Speaking to the Burnley Express in October, the Clarets defender provided an insight into what it would mean for Congo to make it to football’s biggest stage.
“It'll be massive. Massive for the country,” he said. “A big point in our history, because it's been 50 years since we've featured in the World Cup.
“It would bring a lot of joy for the people. We've had a lot of political hardships that we've had to endure in the country and something like this will just give us a massive lift.”
Tuanzebe will also be missing for Burnley next month when he leaves for Morocco to represent Congo at the African Cup of Nations.
Hannibal (Tunisia) and Lyle Foster (South Africa) will also be absent, with the tournament getting underway on December 21. The final is held on January 18, 2026.
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