Rwanda celebrates DR Congo’s historic World Cup qualification

By The Inspirer.

Rwandan officials have joined in celebrating the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) national football team, the Léopards, after the team secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years.

Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe praised the achievement, emphasizing that sporting milestones like this should foster unity rather than division.

The Léopards earned their World Cup ticket following a 1-0 victory over Jamaica, courtesy of a goal from defender Axel Tuanzebe in the match played on the night of March 31, 2026.

Using her social media platforms, Yolande Makolo urged the nation to celebrate responsibly, highlighting football’s power to unite citizens across regions, languages, and histories. She said:
“Football is powerful because a team representing a diverse nation, with many languages and histories, wearing a single jersey, can make the whole country dream together. This spirit of unity should never be replaced by hatred. Keep it alive.”

Minister Nduhungirehe also expressed solidarity, assuring that Rwandans will support the Léopards in the World Cup. He noted the significance of this milestone:
“This is DRC’s first World Cup qualification in half a century, 52 years since Zaire played in the 1974 World Cup in Germany. The Léopards are now the 10th African country to secure a historic ticket to the 2026 World Cup.”

He added that despite regional security challenges, many Rwandans eagerly support the Léopards, whether they are from the DRC or have roots in the region.

State Secretary in the Ministry of Sports Ngarambe Rwego also praised the achievement, saying:
“Keep going, Léopards! Fifty-two years of waiting for dreams that remained alive. This is a historic moment for the DRC and a milestone for African football on the road to the World Cup.”

The DRC has been drawn into Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan, with matches scheduled at Houston in Texas.

This historic qualification marks the first time 10 African nations will compete in the World Cup: South Africa, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Egypt, Cape Verde, Senegal, Algeria, Ghana, and now the DRC.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, notable for expanding to 48 teams, will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.