DR Congo Fans Celebrate in Rain After Historic World Cup Qualification

Fans in Democratic Republic of the Congo flooded the streets of Kinshasa in celebration, dancing in the rain after their national team secured a historic return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years.

Defender Axel Tuanzebe emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica after extra time in an intercontinental playoff held in Mexico.

DR Congo’s midfielder #18 Charles Pickel and defender #04 Axel Tuanzebe celebrate after winning the match and qualifying for the World Cup during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers final playoff football match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Jamaica at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, on March 31, 2026. (Photo by Ulises Ruiz / AFP)

The win seals DR Congo’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will compete in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

Celebrations erupted across Kinshasa, with thousands of supporters taking to the streets, waving flags, blowing horns, and chanting into the night despite heavy rainfall.

“We’ve been waiting for this moment for decades,” said one jubilant fan, expressing the widespread excitement that gripped the capital city.

The achievement marks the country’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the team then known as Zaire competed in the tournament held in West Germany.

Nicknamed the Leopards, DR Congo completed a remarkable qualification campaign, eliminating African heavyweights along the way to secure their place on football’s biggest stage.

For many citizens, the victory represents more than just football, offering a rare moment of unity and joy in a nation that has faced years of conflict and instability.

Supporters described the qualification as a symbol of hope, with many calling for national celebrations to mark the historic achievement.