World Cup 2026: Kinshasa celebrates the Leopards’ historic qualification
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team, the Leopards, received a hero’s welcome in Kinshasa on Sunday, days after securing qualification for the FIFA World Cup their first appearance on football’s biggest stage since 1974.
DR Congo Returns to the World Stage as Leopards Qualify for 2026 World Cup After 52-Year Absence
The Democratic Republic of Congo has erupted in celebration after its national football team, the Leopards, secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup marking their first appearance at the tournament since 1974.
What is usually a 20-kilometre journey from the airport into central Kinshasa turned into a near four-hour procession on Sunday, as tens of thousands of jubilant supporters flooded the streets to welcome the returning squad. Draped in national colours of blue, yellow, and red, fans lined the route, waving flags, beating drums, and sounding vuvuzelas as the team bus made its slow passage through the capital.
The atmosphere of celebration continued at the Palais du Peuple, where thousands more supporters gathered, turning the esplanade into a sea of colour, music, and chants in honour of the historic achievement.
At an official reception, President Félix Tshisekedi praised the team’s qualification and announced major rewards for the players.
“I promised them that if they took us to the World Cup, the Congolese people and the Congolese government would do whatever they asked,” he said. “Every Leopard player here has already been given a car and a house by the government.”
Team captain Chancel Mbemba dedicated the achievement to the nation, describing the qualification as a collective victory shaped by perseverance and national support.
“We did not fight alone; you have stood by us from the very beginning, and the honour belongs to the whole country,” he said, while also acknowledging the country’s long and difficult journey to this moment of success.
For many Congolese citizens, the victory represents more than sport it is a rare moment of unity and pride in a nation often marked by political and security challenges. University student Kevin Nsimbi described the achievement as a powerful symbol of resilience and recognition for the players’ sacrifices.
With the celebrations still ongoing, attention now shifts to the World Cup in the Americas, where DR Congo will face Portugal on 17 June in Houston, Colombia on 23 June in Guadalajara, and Uzbekistan on 27 June in Atlanta.
After 52 years away from football’s biggest stage, the message from Kinshasa is unmistakable: the Leopards are back and they are ready to be seen.
TNAM
Edited By Egwu Patience Nnennaya
