DR Congo declares national holiday after reaching World Cup for first time in 52 years
This is just the second time that DR Congo have reached the World Cup finals, sparking celebrations in Kinshasa.
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Notable Quotes
"I'm so grateful to have scored that goal for the team, for the nation. I realise the magnitude of what it represents and the joy it brings to people."
— Axel Tuanzebe , Athlete
"Leopards stepping up for Africa! Congratulations DR Congo, go make the continent proud on the world stage."
— Jean Maurice Uwera , Politician
"I'm so grateful to have scored that goal for the team, for the nation. I realise the magnitude of what it represents and the joy it brings to people."
— Axel Tuanzebe , Athlete
"Leopards stepping up for Africa! Congratulations DR Congo, go make the continent proud on the world stage."
— Jean Maurice Uwera , Politician
Key People
Axel Tuanzebe is a professional footballer who scored the winning goal for DR Congo's national team.
Jean Maurice Uwera is the deputy government spokesperson of Rwanda.
Michel Kuka Mboladinga is known for his unique tribute to Patrice Lumumba, standing statue-like during matches.
Sebastian Desabre is the manager of the DR Congo national football team, credited for leading them to World Cup qualification.
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All Coverage
This is just the second time that DR Congo have reached the World Cup finals, sparking celebrations in Kinshasa.
The Democratic Republic of Congo ended a 52-year wait for World Cup qualification with a win over Jamaica in the inter-confederation play-off final; Axel Tuanzebe scored the winning goal in extra-time.
The Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in an intercontinental playoff on Tuesday to seal their first World Cup appearance in 52 years. Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the game's only goal at the Akron Stadium near Guadalajara to send the African side to this summer's finals, where they will face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.
Authorities in the Democratic Republic Congo have declared Wednesday a public holiday after the national football team qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years. The Leopards reached the finals on Tuesday when Axel Tuanzebe's extra-time goal gave them a 1-0 win over Jamaica in the play-off.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo declared Wednesday a national holiday after the team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Its soccer team defeated Jamaica in extra time Tuesday in Guadalajara, Mexico, in a qualification playoff to advance to the World Cup. DR Congo will play its first match of the World Cup in Houston against Portugal on June 17.
Authorities in the Democratic Republic Congo have declared Wednesday a public holiday after the national football team qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years. The Leopards reached the finals on Tuesday when Axel Tuanzebe's extra-time goal gave them a 1-0 win over Jamaica in the play-off.
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