PC(National News)
Kinshasa, April 2, 2026 In a moment of rare national unity, the Democratic Republic of Congo came to a joyful standstill on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as the government declared a nationwide paid public holiday to celebrate the senior men’s football team’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Leopards ended a painful 52-year absence from football’s biggest stage with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off final on Tuesday night in Mexico. This marks only the second World Cup appearance in the nation’s history – the first coming in 1974 when the country was known as Zaire.
Dramatic Qualification in Mexico the decisive match, played at Akron Stadium (also referred to as Guadalajara Stadium) in Mexico, remained goalless through 90 tense minutes. DR Congo striker Cedric Bakambu twice had goals correctly disallowed for offside, keeping the score level. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 100th minute of extra time. A corner from teammate Brian Cipenga (also referred to as Bryan Sipehng in some reports) deflected off Jamaica defender Joel Latibeaudiere and fell to Axel Tuanzebe. The Burnley defender, using his torso and quick reactions, forced the ball into the net for the only goal of the game.
Officials briefly checked for a possible handball via VAR, but the goal stood. Tuanzebe, a former Manchester United and England youth international born in the conflict-hit city of Bunia in eastern DR Congo, etched his name permanently into Congolese sporting history with his first senior goal for the national team. Jamaica, hoping to reach their second World Cup after appearing in France 1998, created few clear chances and could not find an equaliser.
A Long-Awaited Return DR Congo’s previous and only World Cup appearance came in 1974 as Zaire – the first Sub-Saharan African team to qualify for the tournament. That campaign ended in disappointment, with heavy defeats including a 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia. The 2026 qualification, therefore, carries deep emotional weight for a football-loving nation that has endured decades of conflict, political instability, and hardship. Tuanzebe later described the match as the biggest of his career. His goal has now given millions of Congolese people a reason to celebrate amidst ongoing challenges, particularly in the conflict-affected eastern.