Democratic Republic of the Congo will celebrate a historic return to the World Cup after sealing qualification for the 2026 tournament with a dramatic 1-0 win over Jamaica.
The decisive playoff clash went beyond normal time before DR Congo finally found the breakthrough in extra time, sparking wild scenes of celebration across the country.
It marks the nation’s first World Cup qualification in 52 years, with their only previous appearance coming in 1974, when they competed under the name Zaire, reports GOAL.
That achievement remains one of the biggest moments in Congolese football history, but this latest qualification now gives a new generation of players and supporters the chance to write their own story on the global stage.
The magnitude of the result was immediately felt across the country, with supporters flooding the streets in emotional scenes despite poor weather conditions late into the night.
Government rewards fans with nationwide public holiday
In response to the historic qualification, the Congolese government made a remarkable gesture by declaring Wednesday, April 1, a paid public holiday.
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Officials described the day as a moment for celebration, unity and national pride, allowing citizens across the country to fully enjoy the occasion.
DR Congo now head to the World Cup with a tough challenge ahead after being drawn in a difficult group alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Regardless of what happens next, qualification alone has already delivered a moment the country will never forget.
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