Will Jamaica ever go back to the FIFA World Cup? That’s the question millions are asking after the Reggae Boyz came up short yet again.

“We’re very sorry we weren’t able to deliver” were the words of a near-tearful Captain Andre Blake as the national team were forced to look on with disappointment as DR Congo celebrated booking a spot at this summer’s tournament with a 1-0 extra time win at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Axel Tuanzebe’s strike in the 100th minute was enough to spark African jubilation and Caribbean despair.

“There’s not much I can say,” said Blake. “I thought we gave them a tough game, but that’s football. Congrats to my boys, we fought really hard, but we just came up short.”

Interim Head Coach Rudolph Speid was given a matter of months to make things right following Steve McClaren’s departure, but the task proved too much in the end.

“All of us, players and coaching, tried our best. We got a few opportunities but it wasn’t to be. But we tried our best,” said Speid.

It’s the second time in four months that the Reggae Boyz failed to achieve their objective after finishing behind Curacao in the final round of Concacaf World Cup qualifiers.

Jamaica’s last appearance being in 1998 means they are one of just four countries whose World Cup drought will extend pass 30 years. DR Congo, on the other hand, end an incredible 52-year wait and will join Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in Group K at the 2026 showpiece.

With the USA, Canada, and Mexico out of the picture this qualification cycle, Jamaican fans were confident — almost adamant — that they’d make the world’s biggest event. However, they now have to wait another four years to find out if the World Cup remains a dream.

Blake, clinging to optimism, says they will just have to turn their focus to the 2030 World Cup.

“I’m going to tell them to keep their heads up, it’s a very tough time, but I’m going to have to tell them to stay positive, keep their heads up and hopefully we can build on this and look forward to the next one.”

It’s not yet sure if Speid will be the man to lead another qualification attempt with his contract now expired.

“That’s not up to me, that’s really up to the [JFF] board if they want [me to stay]. I was just an interim and my terms expired, so let’s see what the board says,” he said.

The writing seemed on the wall for Jamaica as DR Congo found the net twice, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

The first came in just the opening five minutes when striker Cedric Bakambu had an easy tap in but found himself in an offside position.

Bakambu would convert again in the 85th minute, but this time, it was his teammate Theo Bongonda who had strayed ahead of the Jamaican backline.

Jamaica’s 53 per cent possession may be deceptive as they only managed one effort on target over the 120 minutes.

Leon Bailey’s strike from 35 yards out was the closest they came to scoring, but the shot was just wide of the mark.

Although surviving the first 90 minutes, the wall came tumbling down inside the first 10 minutes of extra time. From an in-swinging corner, Jamaica were static while Tuanzebe reacted to put his team in front.

There were late flurries from substitute Renaldo Cephas, but, ultimately, Jamaica made little inroads and fell to their knees at the full time whistle.

The local-based members of the national team are expected to arrive today, while the others will return to their clubs overseas with a cloud of missing qualification hanging over their heads.

DR Congo defender Chancel Mbemba and Jamaica forward Bailey Cadamarteri (right) jump to head the ball during their FIFA World Cup Play-offs final at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, on Tuesday. (Photo: AFP)

Jamaica Head Coach Rudolph Speid looks on during the game. (Photo: AFP)

Jamaica captain Andre Blake shouts instructions to his teammates. (Photo: AFP)