By Amaechi Agbo
Dr Congo Players Celebrating their World Cup Qualification on Tuesday
The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has declared April 1, 2026, a nationwide public holiday to mark the national football team’s qualification for a major international tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
In an official statement, the Minister of Employment and Labour announced that the holiday will be observed across the country, allowing citizens to celebrate the achievement of the DR Congo national football team in what was described as a moment of “unity, enthusiasm, and national pride.”
The decision underscores the significance of football in the Central African nation, where the Leopards remain a powerful symbol of national identity and cohesion. Their qualification has sparked widespread celebrations in several cities, with fans taking to the streets in a show of support and excitement.
While authorities did not provide full details of the qualifying campaign in the announcement, the team’s success is widely seen as a major milestone, reflecting a resurgence in Congolese football on the continental stage. The Leopards, two-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, have been working to re-establish themselves among Africa’s elite teams in recent years.
Government officials also indicated that security and public safety measures would be reinforced during the celebrations to ensure order across major urban centers, including Kinshasa and other key regions.
The declaration of a paid public holiday highlights the broader social and cultural importance of football in the country, with the government encouraging citizens to celebrate responsibly while embracing the unifying spirit of the moment.
Meanwhile, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino has taken to Instagram to congratulate Democratic Republic of the Congo following their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a heartfelt message shared shortly after the Leopards sealed their place at the global showpiece, the FIFA president praised the resilience and determination shown by the Congolese national team throughout their qualification journey.
Infantino highlighted how the team’s perseverance after years of near misses has finally paid off, describing the achievement as “fully deserved.”
“Congratulations DR Congo on qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States,” Infantino wrote.
“After coming so close in recent years, your admirable perseverance has been rewarded, and the Leopards are ready to shine once again on football’s greatest stage.”
The message reflects the global significance of DR Congo’s qualification, which marks their first appearance at the World Cup in over five decades.
Their only previous participation came in 1974, when they competed as Zaire. This latest success signals a new era for Congolese football and reaffirms the growing competitiveness of African nations on the world stage.
Infantino also expressed excitement about seeing the team bring their passion and identity to what is expected to be one of the most spectacular editions of the tournament.
He encouraged fans to celebrate the milestone and looked ahead to the energy the Congolese supporters will bring to the competition.
DR Congo secured qualification after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica in an intercontinental playoff, with Axel Tuanzebe scoring the decisive goal in extra time.
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