The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has declared a national holiday following the country’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup—their first appearance in 52 years.
The national team, nicknamed Les Léopards (The Leopards), secured their place in the tournament after a dramatic 1-0 win over Jamaica, thanks to Axel Tuanzebe’s extra-time goal in the 100th minute of play.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment announced that citizens would be granted a day off on Wednesday to celebrate the achievement “in unity, fervour, and national pride.”
DR Congo previously appeared in the World Cup only once, in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire. The latest qualification marks a significant milestone for the central African nation, reigniting national enthusiasm for football after more than five decades.
Tuesday’s match was tense and hard-fought, with Tuanzebe’s decisive goal breaking a prolonged deadlock and sending the nation into celebrations that will be remembered for generations.
