Cry – DR Congo Sports Minister fires Ronaldo’s Portugal warning ahead of 2026 World Cup

Sports Minister for DR Congo, Didier Bodimbo, has fired a stern warning to Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal ahead of the 2026 World Cup tournament, to be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Leopards has stepped into the global spotlight with renewed confidence and unshaken belief after sealing a dramatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

DR Congo narrowly triumphed over Jamaica in the international playoff final, held in Guadalajara, Mexico last week, bringing an end to their 52-year absence from football’s biggest stage.

The victory sparked wild celebrations back home, with fans flooding the streets of Kinshasa to welcome their heroes in a carnival-like atmosphere.

With the Leopard snatching qualification, African can boast of 10 representatives at the upcoming World Cup tournament.

DR Congo will battle it out with Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K at the tournament. The Leopards will open their account against the European giants on June 17, 2026 in a high-stake clash.

With confidence soaring, Bodimbo declared, “Cristiano Ronaldo should cry when he faces DR Congo,”

The statement reflects the growing belief within the Congolese camp as they prepare to test themselves against some of the world’s best, including Portugal’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.

For DR Congo, the tournament represents not just participation, but a chance to make a statement on the global stage.

The celebrations extended beyond words, as the Congolese government moved swiftly to reward the national team for their historic achievement. President Félix Tshisekedi hosted members of the squad at the People’s Palace, where he announced a generous package of rewards. Each player will receive a house and a car, a symbolic and material gesture of gratitude for bringing pride to the nation.

The presidency confirmed the decision in an official statement, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the players’ efforts in securing qualification. The announcement further fueled the jubilant mood across the country, with supporters celebrating both the victory and the promise of a brighter future for Congolese football.

In Kinshasa, thousands of fans lined the streets as an open-top bus carried the team from the airport through the capital. The scenes were reminiscent of a national holiday, as supporters waved flags, sang songs, and cheered their heroes after ending decades of World Cup absence.

The qualification marks a major milestone for DR Congo, who have now joined the elite group of 48 teams set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The journey to this point has been long and demanding, but the reward is immense — a chance to compete on the world’s grandest football stage and potentially write a new chapter in the country’s sporting history.

As the countdown to June 17 begins, DR Congo’s bold words and renewed confidence will set the tone for their campaign. Whether their fearless declaration translates into performance on the pitch remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Panthers are heading to the World Cup with belief, ambition, and a nation firmly behind them.