Jamaica to write to FIFA about ‘hand ball’ goal vs DR Congo in failed World Cup bid
DR Congo’s defender #22 Chancel Mbemba celebrates past Jamaica’s midfielder #04 Ephron Mason-Clark after winning the match and qualifying for the World Cup during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers final playoff football match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Jamaica at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, on March 31, 2026. (Photo by Ulises Ruiz / AFP)
April 3, 2026
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) intends to protest the Reggae Boyz’ loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Inter-continental World Cup play-offs in Mexico on Tuesday, Observer Online has been reliably informed.
Jamaica was denied a place in this summer’s World Cup — to be hosted later this year in the USA, Canada and Mexico — after conceding a goal in extra time against the Central Africans to lose the gane 1-0.
However, video replays have apparently shown Axel Tuanzebe handling the ball in the goal for the winner off a corner kick in the 100th minute.
A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review did not spot the alleged infraction.
The Reggae Boyz had qualified for the game after beating New Caledonia 1-0 last Thursday in the first game of the Inter-continental series.
Jamaica qualified for the playoffs after they finished second to first-time qualifiers Curacao in their Concacaf final round qualifying group last year.
-Paul A Reid
