The Democratic Republic of the Congo has declared Wednesday, 1 April 2026, a nationwide public holiday to celebrate its qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement, the government described the achievement as “historic”, marking the country’s return to football’s biggest stage for the first time in more than five decades. The Ministry of Employment and Labour said the day would be observed as a paid public holiday across the country.

The national team, known as the Leopards, secured their place after a dramatic victory over Jamaica in a World Cup play-off match. Defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute, following sustained pressure throughout the game.

Scenes of celebration followed at the Estadio Guadalajara, where Congolese supporters had gathered in large numbers.

This will be DR Congo’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the country, then known as Zaire, lost all three of its matches.
The team has been drawn in Group K, where they will face Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan.
Elsewhere, Iraq also qualified for the tournament after a 2-1 win over Bolivia, marking its first appearance at the World Cup since 1986.

Celebrations have been reported across DR Congo, with many people seeing the qualification as a boost to national pride and the country’s international profile.

Source:TheDotNews