Joy and emotion filled the streets of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as fans celebrated their national team’s historic qualification for the World Cup — the country’s first in more than five decades.
The so-called Leopards secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Jamaica in extra time during an intercontinental playoff in Mexico, sealing their place on football’s biggest stage. The achievement marks a long-awaited return, with the nation last appearing at the tournament in 1974 under the name Zaire.
In Goma, where residents have endured months of instability and economic hardship, the victory offered a rare moment of relief and unity.
“We’re already in Goma and we’re under a lot of stress, but the ‘Leopards’ have just helped us forget all that,” says Mélisse Bitwenge, a soccer fan. “We’re so happy; you can tell I’ve even lost my voice with joy.”
For many supporters, the qualification is more than just a sporting achievement – it is a historic milestone shared across generations.
“Today is truly a historic day; we are full of joy, as you can see! DRCongo’s qualification after 52 years is historic, because it was our parents who last saw us at the World Cup, but today we are part of a story that we will tell our children!” Christian Mihigo, a soccer fan, said.
The Congolese team now joins other nations in the World Cup lineup, carrying with them the hopes of a country eager to celebrate both its footballing revival and a moment of national pride.
