Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, has congratulated the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team, the Léopards, after they secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a social media message, Minister Nduhungirehe described the achievement as historic, marking DRC’s return to football’s biggest stage for the first time in 52 years, since 1974 when it competed as Zaire.
“This is a remarkable and historic victory for the DRC. We congratulate the team and wish them success in the upcoming tournament,” he said.
He noted that despite security challenges in the region, many Rwandans, particularly those with DRC roots, continue to support the Léopards.
The DRC earned its World Cup spot by defeating Jamaica 1-0 in a playoff match on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. Defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive goal in extra time (100th minute) after a goalless 90 minutes.
This marks the DRC’s first World Cup appearance since 1974 and makes the Léopards the 10th African team to qualify, highlighting Africa’s growing presence in the expanded 2026 tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
