We will sleep well, says DR Congo star Theo Bongonda after World Cup qualification

Theo Bongonda summed up the emotion in a single, telling reflection after DR Congo secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought victory over Jamaica.

“It was the most important match of our lives,” he said. “Now we have one less thing to worry about; we’re going to sleep well.”

The Spartak Moscow winger was central to a defining night for the Leopards, who held their nerve in a high-stakes encounter to end a long wait for World Cup football.

The win marked a turning point for a team determined to re-establish itself on the global stage.

For Bongonda, the sense of release was unmistakable. The pressure, the stakes and the weight of expectation had built up to a decisive moment — one that demanded composure and quality. By the final whistle, that burden had been lifted, replaced by celebration and quiet satisfaction.

The qualification represents more than just a sporting achievement. It is a moment of pride for the nation, a reward for years of rebuilding, and a signal that DR Congo is ready to compete among football’s elite once again.

As the celebrations begin, Bongonda’s words capture the mood perfectly — a mixture of relief, pride, and anticipation for what lies ahead on the world’s biggest stage.

The Leopards will be in Group K, alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.