DR Congo players get heroics welcome after historic World Cup qualification

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national team, the Leopards, were greeted with scenes of jubilation in Kinshasa on Sunday following their long-awaited qualification for the FIFA World Cup — marking their return to the global stage for the first time since 1974.

Their arrival quickly turned into a national celebration. Although the journey from the airport to the city centre is typically a short drive, it stretched to nearly four hours as tens of thousands of supporters flooded the streets to honour their returning heroes.

Dressed in national colours, fans lined the route, waving flags, chanting, and filling the air with drums and vuvuzelas as the team’s bus made its slow procession through the capital.

At an official reception, President Félix Tshisekedi praised the squad for their achievement and revealed substantial rewards for the players.

“I promised them that if they took us to the World Cup, the Congolese people and the Congolese government would do whatever they asked,” Tshisekedi said. “What I am about to tell you has already been done: every Leopard player here has already been given a car and a house by the government.”

While celebrations continue across the country, attention is already shifting to the upcoming tournament in the Americas.

DR Congo have been drawn into a challenging group, where they will face Portugal on 17 June in Houston, Colombia on 23 June in Guadalajara, and Uzbekistan on 27 June in Atlanta.

For the Leopards and their passionate supporters, the message is unmistakable: after more than five decades away from football’s biggest stage, DR Congo are back — and determined to leave a lasting impression.