DR Congo declares national holiday after historic World Cup qualification

Guadalajara April 1, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years, prompting the government to declare Wednesday, April 1, a paid public holiday nationwide. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Employment and Labour, aims to allow citizens to celebrate what officials described as a moment of national unity and pride following a landmark sporting achievement. According to the ministry, the measure applies across the entire national territory and gives workers a paid day off in recognition of the national team’s success. The qualification was secured after the national team, known as the Leopards, defeated Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz 1-0 after extra time in the final of the intercontinental playoffs held in Guadalajara, Mexico. The victory marks a return to football’s biggest stage for the DRC after more than five decades of absence, with the team becoming one of the African representatives at the 2026 World Cup. Under coach Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards delivered a tightly contested performance, managing to break through in extra time after a disciplined defensive display and sustained pressure from their opponents. The result has sparked nationwide celebrations, with authorities and supporters hailing the achievement as a historic milestone for Congolese football and a moment of collective national pride.