Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared Wednesday a public holiday after the national football team secured a historic place at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.
The Leopards booked their spot on Tuesday night thanks to a dramatic extra-time winner from Axel Tuanzebe, sealing a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in a tense play-off.
The government described the achievement as “historic”, urging citizens to celebrate with “unity, fervour and national pride”. Many businesses, banks and shops in the capital, Kinshasa, closed their doors in honour of the occasion, though some workplaces remained open due to the late notice of the announcement.
The qualification marks the country’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when it competed under the name Zaire.
Scenes of jubilation erupted across Kinshasa in the early hours of Wednesday, with fans pouring into the streets to celebrate despite ongoing challenges facing the country, including conflict in the east.
That conflict has intensified over the past year, particularly with advances by the M23. Despite longstanding tensions and accusations involving Rwanda, officials in Kigali congratulated DR Congo on its qualification.
In Kinshasa’s Kingabwa neighbourhood, supporters celebrated loudly, even looking ahead to a high-profile clash against Portugal — led by Cristiano Ronaldo — in Houston on 17 June. DR Congo will also face Colombia and Uzbekistan in the group stage.
For Tuanzebe, who was born in the conflict-affected city of Bunia, the goal was deeply meaningful. He described it as the most important of his career, recognising the joy and pride it has brought to millions back home.
