- Striker Cedric Bakambu has called for peace after DR Congo World Cup qualification for the first time in 52 years.
- The Leopards secured the ticket after a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in an intercontinental playoff staged in Guadalajara, Mexico.
- Bakambu believes the qualification should serve as a turning point for a nation that has endured years of instability and conflict.
DR Congo striker Cedric Bakambu has urged his countrymen to use the national team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a unifying moment to promote peace and hope, especially for citizens affected by conflict in the eastern part of the country.
The Leopards secured the final African slot for the global tournament after a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in an intercontinental playoff staged in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The decisive goal was scored by Axel Tuanzebe, a moment that will remain etched in DR Congo’s football history as it confirmed their return to the World Cup for the first time in more than five decades.
ALSO READ: DR Congo qualify for 2026 World Cup for the first time in 52 years after beating Jamaica
DR Congo World Cup qualification to serve as uniting factor
For Bakambu, however, the achievement goes far beyond football. The experienced forward, who plays for Real Betis, believes the qualification should serve as a turning point for a nation that has endured years of instability and conflict.
“Dear Congolese brothers and sisters, I am filled with gratitude and pride to announce we have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with our national team. This dream I share with all of you,” Bakambu wrote on his social media pages.
“Together, let’s make Congo’s voice heard on the world stage. However, I do not forget the pain and suffering experienced in the east of our country, ravaged by war and conflict for too many years.”
The 34-year-old emphasized that every effort made on the pitch is dedicated to those going through difficult times, noting that the team carries the hopes of the entire nation.
“Every effort we provide on the field, every moment of sacrifice, is also for them. We carry their hopes with us, and every step towards the World Cup is a step towards hope for all the Congolese people.”
Bakambu further called on the country to use the qualification as a foundation for rebuilding and unity, stressing that football can play a significant role in shaping a better future.
“May this qualification not be the end of a simple sporting adventure, but the beginning of a new era.
This is an opportunity for all of us to gather, invest, modernize our sporting infrastructures, accompany our youth and spread sport in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The future begins today. May God bless our country,” he said.
DR Congo’s qualification marks a historic return to the World Cup, having last appeared in 1974 when they competed as Zaire. On that occasion, they became the first Sub-Saharan African nation to play at the global showpiece, despite enduring a difficult campaign.
In the 2026 tournament, DR Congo have been drawn in Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan in what promises to be a challenging but exciting group.
The competition, set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will also be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, with Africa sending a record 10 representatives.
For DR Congo, the journey to the World Cup is already a victory for national pride, but Bakambu’s message makes it clear that the biggest win would be unity and peace back home.