Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have declared Wednesday a public holiday following the national team’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup, their first in 52 years.
The decision was announced by the country’s Ministry of Labour and Employment after the DR Congo national football team secured a 1–0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off final.
The winning goal was scored by Axel Tuanzebe in the 100th minute, sealing a landmark achievement that sparked widespread celebrations across the country.
Officials described the victory as “historic,” noting that the public holiday was approved to allow citizens celebrate in unity, pride, and national joy.
The Central African nation last appeared at a World Cup in 1974, when it competed under the name Zaire.
Following Tuesday’s win, jubilant scenes erupted in the capital, Kinshasa, where fans flooded the streets in celebration, with many chanting and waving flags in honour of the team’s achievement.
DR Congo will now feature in Group K at the expanded 48-team tournament, where they are set to face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in the group stage.
