The Democratic Republic of Congo national football team returned home to a hero’s welcome after sealing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—and were rewarded in a big way.
In Kinshasa, thousands of fans lined the streets to celebrate the team’s historic achievement of ending a 52-year absence from the world’s biggest football stage. But the biggest moment came later at the People’s Palace, where President Félix Tshisekedi hosted the squad.
During the ceremony, each player and member of the technical staff received a brand-new Jeep. The president also pledged additional rewards, including plots of land and substantial cash bonuses, in recognition of the team’s achievement.
DR Congo secured their World Cup spot with a narrow 1–0 victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff, thanks to a decisive goal from Axel Tuanzebe.
Under former Uganda Cranes Head Coach Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards now turn their focus to the tournament, where they have been drawn in a challenging Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.
