After DR Congo secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, striker Cedric Bakambu spearheaded the celebration among the Central African nation’s players, marking a significant achievement in their football history.
The Leopards clinched their World Cup spot in dramatic style, thanks to an extra-time goal from Axel Tuanzebe, who struck the decisive blow to overcome Jamaica at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico on Wednesday.
Tuanzebe is sure to cherish his goal for years to come, as it has granted the Leopards their first World Cup appearance since 1974. The defender made a brilliant run to create space and fired in a low shot for the winning goal.
‘DR Congo Endured Significant Hardship’
“It’s going to be absolute madness when we get back to Kinshasa,” Bakambu shared with FIFA.com after the match. “I’m eager to reunite with all the Congolese supporters. I don’t think we have fully grasped the significance of this yet.”
The Real Betis forward added: “I’ve never witnessed Congo in a World Cup before. I intend to savour every moment.”
“Right now, I’m overwhelmed with emotions; I can hardly find the words,” expressed Ngal’ayel Mukau, while captain Chancel Mbemba described the achievement as: “A dream finally realised.”
Mbemba also remarked: “We have toiled hard and made numerous sacrifices. We have faced considerable struggles. We fought for all Congolese people and for all African nations. We stand proud. Now we can proudly say we are heading to the World Cup.”
Samuel Moutoussamy, a player for Greek Super League club Atromitos, joined in the jubilation as well.
The midfielder admitted: “It has always been my dream; I won’t hide that. Ever since I began playing football, I’ve envisioned this moment.
“From the day I joined Lyon’s youth academy in 2011, my family and I had a shared dream of playing in a World Cup. We did it.”
DR Congo’s goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, reflected: “We’ve travelled a long journey. When we see the joy on everyone’s faces, we know our struggles were worth it.”
DR Congo’s Last World Cup Appearance Was in 1974
The stakes were incredibly high in this final qualifier in Zapopan, Mexico, with both teams vying for a chance to make World Cup history for only the second time.
The Leopards had the upper hand in the opening exchanges, as Bakambu nearly found the net. He was left unmarked in the box and attempted a header from a free-kick taken by Nathanael Mbuku, but was thwarted as Andre Blake managed to catch the ball comfortably.
The Leopards were desperate to return to the world stage, with the tournament set to take place from June 11 to July 19 and hosted across 16 cities—11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
This World Cup will mark the first time that FIFA’s flagship event is hosted by three nations, and it will also introduce an expanded format, featuring 48 teams instead of the traditional 32.
DR Congo last graced the FIFA World Cup in 1974 as Zaire, becoming the first Sub-Saharan African nation to qualify. They finished bottom of their group, losing all three of their matches.
Their campaign started with a 2-0 loss to Scotland, followed by a staggering 9-0 defeat against Yugoslavia, and concluded with a 3-0 loss to Brazil.
DR Congo will now be placed in Group K for the finals alongside Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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