DR Congo declares national holiday over World Cup qualification

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has declared Wednesday a public holiday to celebrate the country’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

On Wednesday, DR Congo defeated Jamaica in the intercontinental playoffs to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.

The country was still named Zaire when the Leopards last reached the biggest football stage in 1974.

In a memo issued hours after the achievement, the DR Congo’s ministry of labour said a public holiday must be observed nationwide.

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“Following the national team’s victory and the qualification of our Leopards for the 2026 World Cup, the Minister of Employment and Labour informs the public that Wednesday, April 1, 2026, is declared a paid holiday throughout the entire national territory,” the statement reads.

“This exceptional decision reflects the wishes of His Excellency Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Republic, Head of State, and of the Government of the Republic, led by Her Excellency Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, to allow the Congolese people to celebrate in unity, fervour, and national pride.”

DR Congo’s qualification comes off after months of controversy following a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the Africa playoffs final.

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DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on penalties in November 2025 to qualify for the intercontinental playoff.

A month later, the NFF filed a petition with FIFA, accusing the Congolese FA of deceit in clearing players for its national team, despite their status contravening the country’s citizenship laws.

FIFA, however, dismissed Nigeria’s petition, and the NFF has vowed to appeal the decision.

DR Congo are drawn in Group K of the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada. The team will face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

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