DR Congo national team will arrive in Kinshasa on Saturday, 4 April 2026, following their historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup, with a reception by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo expected upon their return.
The Leopards’ homecoming is set to mark a significant national moment after they secured a place at football’s biggest tournament for the first time in 52 years.
While a full public celebration has not yet been confirmed, the players are expected to be officially received before returning to their respective clubs.
Their qualification came after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off final held in Mexico.
The decisive moment arrived in extra time when defender Axel Tuanzebe scored in the 100th minute to send the Central African nation back to the global stage.
Tuanzebe, born in Bunia in eastern DR Congo, had described the match beforehand as the biggest of his career.
His decisive intervention ensured his place in the country’s football history, as he converted from close range after a corner delivery deflected into his path.
The goal initially sparked brief uncertainty, with match officials consulting the video assistant referee (VAR) over a possible handball.
However, the decision went in DR Congo’s favour, confirming the goal and igniting celebrations among players and fans alike.
The match itself was tightly contested. DR Congo had earlier seen two efforts from striker Cédric Bakambu ruled out for offside during normal time, highlighting the narrow margins that defined the encounter.
Jamaica, seeking a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, struggled to create clear scoring opportunities as the game wore on.
Beyond qualification, the victory has also had an impact on the team’s global standing. In the latest FIFA rankings released on 1 April, DR Congo moved up two places from 48th to 46th, overtaking Greece and Slovakia.
Attention now shifts to preparations for the tournament, where DR Congo have been drawn into Group K of the expanded 48-team competition.
They will begin their campaign against Portugal national team in Houston on 17 June, before facing Colombia and Uzbekistan in their remaining group fixtures.
