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World Cup 2026: DRC Celebrates the Leopards’ Historic Qualification
- On Sunday, the Democratic Republic of the Congo national team, the Leopards, received a hero's welcome in Kinshasa after qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Thousands celebrated the historic 1-0 victory over Jamaica, marking their first appearance in 50 years.
- President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo hailed the achievement at an official reception at Ngeli International Airport, fulfilling a promise to reward the players. Each team member received a car and a house from the government as recognition.
- Supporters draped in national colours lined the 20-kilometre route from the airport, turning the city into a sea of blue, yellow, and red. The team bus crawled through thousands of jubilant fans, with celebrations continuing late into the day at the Palais du Peuple.
- Lille president Olivier Létang expressed dissatisfaction as the Congolese Football Association kept players until Monday, violating FIFA regulations requiring returns within 48 hours. The case is now with the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, as clubs claim the delay caused players to miss league matches.
- The Leopards will compete in Group K against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in the upcoming tournament. Hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada between 11 June and 19 July, the event marks the team's return to football's biggest stage.
12 Articles
12 Articles
World Cup 2026: Kinshasa celebrates the Leopards’ historic qualification
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team, the Leopards, received a hero’s welcome in Kinshasa on Sunday, days after securing qualification for the FIFA World Cup — their first appearance on football’s biggest stage since 1974.
Historic celebrations in Congo over World Cup qualification... and outrage in France!
The capital, Kinshasa, was in a particularly festive mood on Sunday, after the Democratic Republic of the Congo national team celebrated their qualification for the 2026 World Cup following
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kinshasa triumphs over the Leopards, the players of the national football selection, who returned to the country this Sunday, April 5, after obtaining their qualification for the next World Cup. This is a first since 1972. And the joy overwhelms the fans gathered to welcome their heroes.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has celebrated its national heroes, the DRC football team, after its historic qualification at the World Cup, a first in 52 years. In Kinshasa, President Félix Tshisekedi announced exceptional rewards for the players, including a house and a car for each of them. The head of state also praised the role of the selector Sébastien Desabre and Captain Chancel Mbemba in this historic qualification of the Leopards.
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