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.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Key People
No people linked to this story
Locations
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 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.
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.
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.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Singer Fally Ipupa's pride at being given major DR Congo honour
He follows the late great Papa Wemba in becoming a knight of the National Order of the Leopard.
June 5, 2026 at 06:15 PMMexico get World Cup party started with win as South Africa see red - Reuters
Mexico get World Cup party started with win as South Africa see red Reuters
June 11, 2026 at 11:10 PMQuinones and Jimenez fire Mexico to opening World Cup win over nine-man South Africa - Reuters
Quinones and Jimenez fire Mexico to opening World Cup win over nine-man South Africa Reuters
June 11, 2026 at 09:21 PMHaiti forced to alter kit design before World Cup opener
Haiti are forced to change their kit design just days before their World Cup opener against Scotland after the team shirt, depicting a war scene, fails to comply with Fifa rules.
June 10, 2026 at 09:58 PMPain in Grenoble but hope for Irish as play-offs loom
Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward reacts with pride to the World Cup qualifying campaign as her side fall just short of an automatic place at next year's tournament.
June 9, 2026 at 09:43 PMHow to watch the World Cup on the BBC and ITV
The BBC will broadcast Scotland's first World Cup match since 1998, when they take on Haiti on 14 June, plus their final group match against Brazil and England's group match against Ghana.
June 6, 2026 at 05:33 PM