The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Labour and Employment has announced a national holiday after the national team made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Leopards clinched the final slot with a 1–0 extra-time win over Jamaica, joining nine other African teams already qualified for the Mundial in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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This qualification marks a historic moment, as DR Congo returns to the tournament for the first time since 1974, ending a 52-year absence from the World Cup.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment explained that the victory brought immense joy to the citizenry, hence the decision to declare a holiday for citizens to rest and celebrate the moment.

According to BBC, the ministry stated that, as a result of the “historic victory, the nation would have the day off work to celebrate in unity, fervor, and national pride."

The African side has been placed in Group K, where they will compete against Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia for a place in the knockout stages.

DR Congo has been engulfed in conflict for decades, with chaos escalating in early 2025 when the M23 rebel group captured swathes of territory in the country’s east.

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Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with Sports Minister Kofi Adams below: