Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has officially declared April 1, 2026, a national public holiday to celebrate its qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the country’s first appearance at the tournament in 52 years.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Leopards secured their spot in the global finals with a 1–0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in an inter-confederation playoff held in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute, ending DR Congo’s long absence from football’s biggest stage since their last participation in 1974 when the nation was known as Zaire.
The government’s announcement of the holiday was made by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, urging citizens to celebrate the achievement with unity and national pride.
Streets in the capital, Kinshasa, were filled with jubilant fans following the victory, reflecting the deep significance of the moment for many Congolese.
DR Congo will now compete in Group K at the 2026 World Cup, facing teams including Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in matches scheduled across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
