DR Congo declares April 1 public holiday to celebrate historic World Cup qualification

The Democratic Republic of Congo has declared Wednesday, April 1, a nationwide public holiday to celebrate the national team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Leopards secured their place with a 1–0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in a decisive intercontinental playoff final held in Mexico. 

The win marks DR Congo’s first appearance at the World Cup since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire.

Their qualification journey included a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in the CAF playoff final. 

Although the result was later challenged by the Nigeria Football Federation over player eligibility concerns, FIFA dismissed the petition, allowing DR Congo’s qualification to stand.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Labour announced that the public holiday was declared to enable citizens to celebrate the achievement in unity and national pride, in line with the wishes of President Félix Tshisekedi and the government.

DR Congo will compete in Group K at the 2026 tournament, where they are set to face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.