DR Congo celebrates World Cup qualification with national holiday and parade
The Democratic Republic of Congo has declared a national holiday and held mass celebrations in Kinshasa to honour the national team's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Players including Cédric Bakambu and Chancel Mbemba paraded through the capital on an open-top bus on Sunday, greeted by vast crowds, after being received by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
The festivities mark the culmination of a historic achievement for the Leopards, who ended a 52-year absence from the World Cup by defeating Jamaica in a dramatic intercontinental playoff last week. The victory, secured with a 3-1 win after extra time, has sparked nationwide euphoria. The country's football federation, Fecofa, shared images of the players' emotional return, describing it as a homecoming for the heroes who "wrote history."
For manager Sébastien Desabre and his squad, the celebrations provide a moment of respite before the immense challenge of preparing for the tournament in North America. DR Congo has been drawn in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. The qualification is a testament to Desabre's work since taking charge in 2022, rebuilding a squad that blends experienced Europe-based professionals with emerging domestic talent.
Key figures in the playoff victory, such as veteran striker Bakambu and captain Mbemba, were at the heart of the Kinshasa parade. Bakambu, whose career has included spells at Villarreal and Beijing Guoan, scored in the decisive match against Jamaica. The scenes of unity offer a powerful moment for a nation where football has often served as a rare source of collective joy amid periods of political and social instability.
The task now shifts from celebration to practical preparation. The federation and technical staff must quickly formulate plans for pre-tournament training camps and friendlies to ensure the team is competitive on the global stage in June. The overwhelming public support, however, provides a significant morale boost as the Leopards embark on their first World Cup campaign since 1974.
