DR Congo striker Cedric Bakambu hails historic World Cup return

DR Congo striker Cédric Bakambu has hailed his side’s qualification to the 2026 World Cup this summer.

Congo stunned Jamaica in the intercontinental playoffs to book a place in the finals.

For the DR Congo striker, the moment felt bigger than a single match — it was the culmination of years of ambition, sacrifice and longing.

“We’re happy, we’re really delighted. It was a difficult match today. Right now, I don’t think we fully realise it yet [that we are qualified], but when we get back to Kinshasa, it’s going to be crazy, and I can’t wait to see all the Congolese people back home. Congratulations to everyone — to my teammates and to all Congolese people around the world.”

The victory over Jamaica in the FIFA intercontinental playoffs sealed DR Congo’s long-awaited return to the World Cup stage — a breakthrough that will send waves of excitement across Kinshasa and beyond. For a country that has spent decades chasing this dream, qualification represents more than sporting success; it is a moment of collective pride and identity.

Bakambu, who has long been one of the team’s leading figures, reflected on the difficulty of the contest, acknowledging the intensity of a match that tested both sides to their limits.

But as the final whistle blew, the tension gave way to celebration — a release that could be felt far beyond the stadium.

Back home, the anticipation is already building. Streets in Kinshasa are expected to erupt into scenes of celebration, with fans preparing to welcome their heroes as national icons.

For many Congolese, this qualification will mark a turning point — a moment when belief meets achievement on football’s biggest stage.

As Bakambu suggested, the magnitude of the achievement may only fully sink in with time. For now, though, there is only joy — shared among teammates, supporters, and an entire nation united in celebration of a long-awaited dream realized.

Meanwhile, DR Congo face a stern test at the 2026 World Cup after being drawn into a challenging Group K.