FIFA Sends Message to DR Congo After Qualifying for 2026 World Cup as Nigeria Awaits CAS Verdict
- FIFA has sent a message to the Democratic Republic of Congo after securing its qualification for the 2026 World Cup
- The Leopards defeated the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica 1-0 after extra time, thanks to Axel Tuanzebe’s 100th-minute goal
- Sebastien Desabre-led side made history for generations after qualifying for their first World Cup in 52 years
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FIFA has sent a message to the Democratic Republic of Congo after securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe was his country’s hero as his 100th-minute goal during extra time gave the Leopards victory over Jamaica.
Source: Getty Images
According to CAF, it was a historic moment for the team, who have qualified for the country's first World Cup since the 1974 edition in Germany 52 years ago.
The history is generational as none of the current squad and even head coach Sebastien Desabre had seen their country play at a FIFA World Cup.
FIFA sends message to DR Congo
FIFA shared a post on its official World Cup page congratulating the Leopards on their historic feat after beating the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica.
“Dreams unlocked. 🔓🇨🇩 Congo DR are going to the #FIFAWorldCup,” the post reads.
DR Congo stars react to WC qualification
Forward Cedric Bakambu could not contain his excitement after the match.
“When we get back to Kinshasa, it’s going to be crazy. I can’t wait to see all the Congolese people again. I don’t think we’ve fully realised it yet,” he told FIFA TV. “I’ve never seen Congo at the World Cup. I’m going to enjoy every moment.”
Winger Theo Bongonda added that he had not slept well for months, thinking about the match as it was the most important match of their lives.
"I hadn't slept in two months; all I could think about was this match. It was the most important match of our lives. Now we have one less thing to worry about; we’re going to sleep well,” he said.
Speaking about one more thing to worry about; DR Congo has a case against them at the Court of Arbitration for Sports filed by Nigeria, whom they defeated in the final of the African playoff.
Captain Chancel Mbemba added that it was a dream come true and a payoff for all their sacrifices on behalf of the entire Congolese population in qualifying for the World Cup.
Source: Getty Images
“It’s a dream come true. We worked hard, we made a lot of sacrifices. We suffered a lot. We fought for qualification for all the Congolese people and for all African nations. We’re proud. Now we can say we’re going to play in the World Cup,” he added.
“I’ve always had that dream; I’m not going to lie to you. I’ve had that dream ever since I started playing football. The very day I signed with Lyon’s youth academy (in 2011), my family and I had told each other that the dream was to play in a World Cup. We did it,” Samuel Moutoussamy added.
CAF sends message to DR Congo
Legit.ng previously reported that CAF sent a message to DR Congo before their 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff against Jamaica.
CAF rallied the entire African continent behind the Leopards and reshared African champions Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw’s message.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
