The Leopards of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) emerged victorious (1-0) after extra time against the Jamaican Reggae Boyz in a match counting for the final of the intercontinental playoffs. The match took place in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Actualite.cd specifies that the Congolese Fauves achieved this qualification with a lot of courage and dedication against an opponent who played their game as expected.
“With a team that hasn’t changed, Sebastien Desabre and his players had a tough match as expected, but they managed to outplay all the Jamaican attempts that could harm them. They put pressure when needed and scored at crucial moments. Some knew that it would be a match decided by details, which was confirmed on the field,” noted the colleague, highlighting that 52 years later, the national team has made history with this hard-fought victory. The entire Congolese people are proud of their team, which will be the 10th African nation in the World Cup, fulfilling the wish of all Africans.
ACP: 2026 World Cup – DRC’s qualification day of April 1st described as unprecedented (Press Release)
Commenting on the breaking news, the Congolese Press Agency (ACP) reflects on the press release from the Ministry of Employment and Labor in the DRC, describing the day as a national holiday on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to celebrate the Leopards’ qualification for the 2026 World Cup across the country, according to a press release.
“In the wake of the victory and qualification of our Leopards to the 2026 World Cup, the Ministry of Employment and Labor informs the national public that Wednesday, April 1, 2026, is declared a holiday and paid throughout the national territory,” wrote ACP in the headline this morning.
According to the document dated April 1st, this exceptional decision is in line with the will of the President, Felix Tshisekedi, and the government, to allow the Congolese population to celebrate in unity, fervor, and national pride.
The qualification of the Leopards of the DRC, achieved late on March 31st and April 1st, will be an opportunity for all Congolese, throughout the DRC, to savor this national team’s feat in Mexico, awaiting their triumphant return home.
Joy is sweeping through the columns of all newspapers this morning. “Historic!” exclaims Actu30.Cd. Fifty-two years after their last participation in 1974, the Leopards of the DRC finally return to the world stage.
Le Potentiel does not hold back and describes the players as “heroes.” The newspaper highlights that the felines managed to “break the curse” by defeating Jamaica in this playoff return leg. A victory that sends an entire nation to the final phase.
The same sentiment is echoed by Infos27 and 7sur7.Cd, which headline the end of an endless wait. For our colleagues, this qualification is not just sporting, it is a symbol of national resilience. After decades of disappointments, the DRC validates its ticket and prepares to hoist the tricolor flag under the world’s spotlight.
