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.

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.