By our reporter 1.4.2026
The government of Congo Democratic Republic has declared a national holiday to celebrate the qualification of its national team the Leopards for the 2026 World Cup starting in June.
Axel Tuanzebe scored in extra time of the intercontinental play offs against Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz in Mexico, to seal the ticket for Congo DR whose last appearance was in 1974, when they appeared under the name of Zaire.
Congo DR are in the same group with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. They will open their group game against Portugal on June 17 in Houston.
According to the Congolese ministry of labour and employment the qualification was historic, and nation could have the day off work to “celebrate in unity, fervour and national pride”.
In major cities like Kinshasa and Goma fans took to the street celebrating the achievement.
Mélisse Bitwenge: “We’re already in Goma and we’re under a lot of stress, but the ‘Leopards’ have just helped us forget all that. We’re so happy, you can tell I’ve even lost my voice with joy.”
Christian Mihigo: “Today is truly a historic day, we are full of joy as you can see! DR Congo’s qualification after 52 years is historic, because it was our parents who last saw us at the World Cup, but today we are part of a story that we will tell our children!”
