Cédric Bakambu spearheads celebrations as DR Congo secures a long-awaited spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cédric Bakambu led jubilant celebrations after the DR Congo national football team secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Central African nation ended a decades-long wait to return to football’s biggest stage.
The Leopards booked their place in dramatic fashion, defeating Jamaica thanks to an extra-time winner from Axel Tuanzebe at Estadio Akron. The defender escaped his marker before steering home a low shot to seal a historic victory.
Axel Tuanzebe libère la RD Congo 🇨🇩 🔥
Les Léopards mènent 1-0 depuis la 103e minute. #RDCJAM pic.twitter.com/w6Y5GX8ujC
— Inside Foot 243 (@Inside_foot243) March 31, 2026
The win marked DR Congo’s first World Cup qualification since 1974, when they competed under the name Zaire. Players and staff celebrated wildly, fully aware of the magnitude of their achievement.
Bakambu admitted the moment had not fully sunk in, predicting unforgettable scenes upon the team’s return home. He expressed excitement about sharing the achievement with fans in Kinshasa and said he planned to savour every second of the tournament.
Captain Chancel Mbemba described the qualification as a dream come true. He highlighted the sacrifices made by the squad and dedicated the success to supporters across DR Congo and the African continent.
Midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy also reflected on the emotional milestone, recalling how playing at a World Cup had been his ambition since joining the Olympique Lyonnais youth academy. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi added that the team’s long journey made the celebrations even more meaningful.
DR CONGO MAKE HISTORY, QUALIFY FOR THE 2026 WORLD CUP 🇨🇩🤩 pic.twitter.com/aJgx15fAtD
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 31, 2026
DR Congo last appeared at the World Cup in 1974, becoming the first Sub-Saharan African side to qualify. They will now compete in Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan as they prepare for their long-awaited return.
There will now be 10 African teams at the World Cup, a historic feat for the continent. DR Congo will join Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and South Africa as African representatives at the World Cup.
A record 𝟭𝟬 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝗦 will be participating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup 🤩🏆#SSFootball pic.twitter.com/0TQPQBlISE
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 1, 2026
