Once World Cup outsiders, these national teams are crashing the party

One hundred minutes into a scoreless match Tuesday, Jamaican defenders watched the flight of a corner kick as it curled toward their goal. And for a brief, costly, moment everyone forgot about Axel Tuanzebe.

Tuanzebe, of the Democratic Republic of Congo,had called this matchthe biggest of his career. Only the winner of the FIFA World Cup qualifier in Guadalajara, Mexico, would advance to play this summer in the 48-team field comprising the most popular sporting tournament on the planet.

Charging forward, Tuanzebe met the ball as its arc fell just in front of the goal, smashing it for a 1-0 lead.

His goal didn't end the game immediately. Congo had to endure 20 more minutes of extra time before it won, 1-0. But that wait paled to the country's 52-year absence from the world's biggest sporting event — a drought that ended Tuesday, when it became the 47th out of 48 teams to qualify for the World Cup.

"Right now, I don't think we fully realize it yet, but when we get back ​to Kinshasa, it's going to be crazy," Congo strikerCédric Bakambu said, according to Reuters.

Celebrations weren't limited to Kinshasa on a day when the final six countries qualified to round out the World Cup field. The expansion from 32 to 48 countries for this World Cup created opportunities for nations that had spent years on the outside looking in, such as Iraq (which last appeared in 1986), Turkey (2002) and Czechia (2006).

But the longest wait of all had taken place in Congo. The country was still named Zaire in 1974, when the nation was outscored, 14-0, in three group stage games. It was the nation's first World Cup appearance and its last for the next five decades.

The 1974 team had won the Africa Cup of Nations and was encouraged by a figure no less powerful than the president, Mobutu Sese Seko, who had "used football as much as possible for hegemonic regime control,"researchers wrote in 2022.

After a particularly poor performance in 1966, not long after Mobutu began his three-decade run atop the government, the president brought national players playing abroad back to Zaire and outlawed their transfers to other nation's leagues to build up Zaire's domestic competition.

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By 1968, Zaire had won the Africa Cup of Nations. When it repeated in 1974, it became the first nation from sub-Saharan Africa to qualify for the World Cup, and each player was provided housing and a Volkswagen Passat as a show of appreciation, Mohamed Kalambay, a goalkeeper on the team,recalled to the BBC.

But such lavish funding didn't last. The national team, called the Leopards, struggled as the country's domestic league operated without support from sponsors or government funding.

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, soccer leaders within Congo enlisted a strategy widely used in international soccer — calling in the help of dual-national players with lineage to the country but who developed as players outside its borders. The job of persuading players with Congolese ties to represent the country's national team on its long-shot run to the World Cup fell to Gabriel Zakuani, a Congolese player whose career had been spent mostly in England.

Convincing Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a defender for English Premier League club West Ham, and Tuanzebe were priorities,he told the BBC last year; both had come up within the English national team system. Getting parents on board was helpful, Zakuani said. So was being able to make his case no matter where a player grew up.

"I speak eight (languages), so that helps," Zakuani said.

The country remains marred by fighting in its east. In December, on the same day that U.S. President Donald Trump attended the draw for the World Cup, hehosted leaders from Rwanda and Congoas they affirmed their commitments to a peace deal. But fighting has continued. By then, though, the country was entering the final stages of its qualification.

"It's my country; it's where my parents are from," Wan-Bissakatold the BBC. "I grew up in a Congolese household. I was just proud to represent them. As soon as I joined, they welcomed me, accepted me."

Tuanzebe was born in Congo, but was in Manchester United's academy by grade school. He made his Premier League debut at 17. He now plays for Burnley.

A decade later, this summer, he'll make his World Cup debut thanks to his 100th-minute goal Tuesday.

"To get the winning goal for the country, I mean, this is what as a young boy you dream about," Tuanzebe saidafter the match. "It's happened for me and I'm so very happy."

byAnio Baumeister

in

April 01, 2026

Once World Cup outsiders, these national teams are crashing the party

One hundred minutes into a scoreless match Tuesday, Jamaican defenders watched the flight of a corner kick as it curled ...

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Jessie Jones, Playwright and “Murphy Brown” Actress, Dies at 75

Jessie Jones was a playwright and actress with performances in TV shows throughout the '80s and '90s

NEED TO KNOW

• She died on March 20 at age 75 after a "long illness"

• "Jessie was an unbelievably talented and kind woman, and knowing her life's work will continue bringing laughter to theaters around the world brings great solace," writing partner Jamie Wooten says

Jessie Jones, an actress and playwright with performances in several TV shows likeMurphy BrownandPerfect Strangers, has died at age 75.

Jones died on March 20 after a "long illness," according to an onlineobituarywritten by her creative partner Jamie Wooten.

One-third of herJones Hope Wooten comedy trio, Wooten also confirmed the news to PEOPLE on Wednesday, April 1. "Jessie was an unbelievably talented and kind woman, and knowing her life's work will continue — bringing laughter to theaters around the world — brings great solace," Wooten says in a statement.

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Jones was born in the panhandle of Texas in 1950, before she won an essay/speech contest in high school that brought her to Washington, D.C. After attending the University of Texas at Austin, Jones got more involved in the performance arts, eventually landing multiple TV guest roles in the '80s and '90s.

Among her many roles, she appeared inNight Court,Newhart,Grace Under Fire,Perfect Strangers,Who's the BossandMelrose Place. She also marked performances in TV films likeThe Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering MomandEverybody's Baby: The Rescue of Baby Jessica.

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InMurphy Brown's third season, Jones memorably played a woman named Mrs. Betty Hooley who is randomly interviewed by Murphy (Candice Bergen) before things go south. She also made multiple appearances in the 1998 WB sitcomYou're the One, as well the 1995 ABC comedyFudge.

On the comedy-writing side of things, Jones "found her most enduring, and certainly most explosive, success," per her obituary. She co-created the off-Broadway playDearly Departedbefore it toured nationwide. She also co-authored the screenplay version ofKingdom Come,starring Whoopi Goldberg and LL Cool J. Her writing work also included installments ofFor Your Loveand the children's seriesTeacher's Pet.

Jones notably co-wrote several plays with Wooten and Nicholas Hope. Their work included projects such asVelvet Cake War,Christmas BellesandThe Savannah Sipping Society.

Wooten described her as "the most-produced female playwright in America," having had her plays performed "well over 100,000 times on stages all over the world."

"Jessie Jones did something amazing with her one wild and precious life: She made the world laugh," her obituary reads. "What a legacy and gift to leave behind to a world that needs that now more than ever."

She is survived by her sisters Ellen Jones (husband Jim McCarthy) and Laura Jones; niece Margaret McCarthy; nephews Tommy McCarthy, Todd Hyso (Jeri Ann) and Paul Hyso (Meri Dawn); and multiple grand-nieces, cousins and friends.

Read the original article onPeople

byAnio Baumeister

in

April 01, 2026

Jessie Jones, Playwright and “Murphy Brown” Actress, Dies at 75

Jessie Jones was a playwright and actress with performances in TV shows throughout the '80s and '90s ...

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This day in history: Soap opera General Hospital premieres

April 1st is known to many as April Fools' Day, but for television fans, it was the daythe small screengot serious about drama. On this day in 1963, two of the most influential medical soap operas in history made their debut on national television:General HospitalandThe Doctors.

Both shows chose a hospital as their primary setting, which was a relatively new concept for thesoap opera genreat the time. By focusing on the lives of doctors, nurses, and patients, these programs were able to blend professional medical crises with intense personal drama.

A soap opera is a long-running TV or radio drama that reflects a set of ongoing, melodramatic storylines, high emotional drama, and complex relationships.The Doctors,premiered on NBC, was set in the fictional Hope Memorial Hospital. For many years, it was a staple of the network's daytime lineup, known for its dedicated fan base and its focus on the moral and romantic dilemmas of its medical staff.

On the same day,General Hospitalpremiered on ABC. Set in the fictional Port Charles, New York. In its early years, it wasn't the massive hit we know today. In fact, by the late1970s, the show faced the threat of cancellation due to low ratings. Afterproducer Gloria Montytook over everything changed. She introduced younger characters and worked on the storytelling. The most famous change was the introduction ofLuke and Laura. Their 1981 wedding remains the highest-rated hour in the history of American soap operas, with 30 million viewers tuning in.

The Doctorseventually left the air in1982,General Hospitalcontinued after that and broke many records, winning numerous Daytime Emmy Awards and launching the careers of several famous actors.

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General Hospital premiered in black-and-white as a half-hour show. It is now the longest-running American soap opera in production, holding the record for the most Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series with18 winsas of 2025.

The Doctors was initially designed as an anthology series where characters changed frequently, rather than a continuous serial. Due to low ratings (3.4) with the anthology format, it switched to a traditional continuing serial format in March 1964, which immediately doubled its ratings. The show ran for nearly 20 years until December 31, 1982.

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byAnio Baumeister

in

April 01, 2026

This day in history: Soap opera General Hospital premieres

April 1st is known to many as April Fools' Day, but for television fans, it was the daythe small screengot serious a...

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Lakers clinch playoff berth, Pacific Division title with Suns loss

For the second consecutive year, theLos Angeles Lakerswill finish the regular season atop the Pacific Division.

The Lakers (49-26) clinched a playoff spot and the division title before their game against theCleveland Cavalierson Tuesday night even tipped off, thanks to thePhoenix Suns'115-111loss to theOrlando Magicearlier.

With division title already in tow, the Lakers defeated theCavaliers,127-113, on Tuesday night. With the win, the Lakers have secured back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons.

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Luka Doncic made a statement in his return froma one-game suspensionafterreceiving his 16th technical foulin LA's win over theBrooklyn Netson Friday, leading all scorers with 42 points. He also had 12 rebounds and 5 assists Xto re-assert himself in the MVP conversation. Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayrton added another boost offensively with 19 and 18 points, respectively.

Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents

While the Lakers have historically dominated the Pacific with 26 titles since the division was established in 1970-71, their current run of two straight since the arrival of head coach JJ Redick snapped a dry spell that began aftertheir NBA championship run in 2019-20.

The red-hot Lakers — winners of 11 of their last 17 — currently sit as the third seed in the West after Monday, one game ahead of the fourth-placeDenver Nuggetsand three games ahead of theMinnesota TimberwolvesandHouston Rockets. And with their postseason spot now in hand, LA could have a chance to cement their claim at the third spot with wins over theDallas Mavericks,Golden State Warriors, Suns andUtah Jazz.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Los Angeles Lakers clinch playoff spot, Pacific Division title

byAnio Baumeister

in

April 01, 2026

Lakers clinch playoff berth, Pacific Division title with Suns loss

For the second consecutive year, theLos Angeles Lakerswill finish the regular season atop the Pacific Division. ...

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Chiefs 7-round mock draft: Kansas City finds Trent McDuffie replacement

It's an offseason of change in Kansas City.

After their division-winning streak came to an end in 2025, theChiefsare loading up for another go at the Super Bowl in 2026. Major moves on offense and defense will see a much different Kansas City roster.

The Chiefssigned reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker IIIto give them more explosiveness at the running back position. WithPatrick Mahomessidelined while recovering from atorn ACL, the teamtraded for former first-round pick Justin Fieldsas another depth piece at quarterback.

On defense, starting cornerbacksJaylen WatsonandTrent McDuffieare both now with theLos Angeles Ramsvia free agency and trade, respectively.The McDuffie tradenetted Kansas City another first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Up front, defensive linemanKhyiris Tongacomes to the Chiefs from the defending AFC champion Patriots.

It's not all new faces as franchise iconTravis Kelce signed a one-year deal to return to Kansas Cityfor 2026.

2026 NFL DRAFT:Ranking the top 150 best players available

As the dust settles on the major moves of free agency, the team can look ahead to building out its roster in the 2026 NFL draft. Armed with multiple first-round picks, the Chiefs can make key picks to improve the future of the roster. Here's how the Chiefs' draft could look come April:

Kansas City Chiefsmock draft

Round 1, No. 9 overall: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Bain may slip slightly in the top 10 due to arm length concerns but the Chiefs would be happy to get his power and production off the edge. Kansas City struggled to get home with sacks in 2025 and getting one of the most productive edge rushers in college football is an easy boost to the defensive front.

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More:Rueben Bain Jr. compares himself to Mike Tyson during Miami Pro Day

Round 1, No. 29 overall: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

McDuffie and Watson are gone and the Chiefs could always use more talent to develop at the position. Johnson is a great value here as a scheme-versatile outside cornerback with size and speed. He would contend withKristian FultonandNohl Williamsfor a starting role as a rookie and a building block for the future.

Round 2, No. 40 overall: TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Kelce is back in Kansas City but the Chiefs have to be thinking about their future at the position. Stowers is one of the most explosive players in the 2026 class and put on a show at the NFL combine with his dynamic athleticism. He's a bit undersized at 235 pounds but could be a vertical threat from the position the Chiefs haven't had since Kelce's athletic prime. In time, he could grow into a tight end of the future for Mahomes.

Round 3, No. 74 overall: Edge Gabe Jacas, Illinois

One premium pick alone won't help the Chiefs' pass rush woes from 2025. Jacas is a big-bodied edge at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds who totaled 85 pressures and 20 sacks in his last two seasons at Illinois. There are some questions about his run defense but his high motor will earn him plenty of coverage sacks when possible.

Round 4, No. 109 overall: WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State

Hurst is one of the best small-school standouts in the class with size (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) and speed (4.42 40-yard dash) at outside receiver. The Chiefs haven't had a threat like him on the outside in years. He's shown the ability to shake press coverage well but may need time to get up to speed at the NFL level.

Round 5, No. 148 overall: LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan

Leo Chenalis now in Washington, and the Chiefswould be well-served by finding at least a depth piece to make up for his departure. Rolder is inexperienced with just 11 career college starts, but he's shown a lot to like, especially in run defense. He's more of a specialist in that for now, without the coverage chops as a rookie.

Round 5, No. 169 overall: OT Keagan Trost, Missouri

Kansas City dealt with injuries on the offensive line, and bringing in an experienced swing tackle would help safeguard against that in the future. Trost played both right and left tackle at Missouri, most recently right. His length will make him a good fit for most any scheme. He's unlikely to contend for a starting role but he'd be a swing tackle

Round 5, No. 176 overall: S VJ Payne, Kansas State

Payne can do a little bit of everything at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds. He played in the box, slot and free safety in 2025 alone. He's athletic enough to handle lots of assignments in coverage and Steve Spagnuolo could get creative deploying him throughout the defense. His run defense will need work.

Round 6, No. 210 overall: RB Kaelon Black, Indiana

Walker III is a dynamic outside threat at running back and 2025 draft pickBrashard Smithis a receiving specialist. Black could be a good fit alongside those two. The national champion offers great early-down usage with a low center of gravity and churns out yards after contact. He has great short-yardage value and is a willing pass blocker. His lack of receiving chops can be balanced out by Walker and Smith.

3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 4. Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Cleveland Browns – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Las Vegas Raiders (from Baltimore Ravens) – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – Spencer Fano, OT/G, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 23. Philadelphia Eagles – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 25. Chicago Bears – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 26. Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, DE/OLB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 28. Houston Texans – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams) – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: Free agency, trades change first-round projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Chiefs 2026 NFL mock draft: Kansas City builds up defense, lands TE

byAnio Baumeister

in

April 01, 2026

Chiefs 7-round mock draft: Kansas City finds Trent McDuffie replacement

It's an offseason of change in Kansas City. After their division-winning streak came to an end in 2025, t...

Read More