Buoyed by a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica after extra time in the intercontinental playoff, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has secured its place at the 2026 World Cup.
This major achievement marks the Leopards grand return to the world stage, more than fifty years after their only previous appearance in 1974.
At the final whistle, the emotion was palpable among the Congolese players. When interviewed by FIFA, Cedric Bakambu did not hide his joy or his eagerness to reunite with the fans.
The forward, currently playing for Real Betis, expects a memorable welcome in Kinshasa.
“When we return, it will be a true explosion of joy. I can’t wait to see the Congolese people again. We haven’t fully grasped yet what we’ve just accomplished,” he said, still riding the wave of euphoria from the qualification.
This ticket to the 2026 World Cup represents much more than just a sporting achievement.
It symbolizes the rebirth of Congolese soccer and gives new momentum to a passionate nation that has been waiting for this moment for decades.