Kinshasa, June 28th, 2026 (CPA).- The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was not only a sporting triumph but also a historic event, Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba said in a video message released by City Hall and received by CPA on Sunday. « We warmly congratulate our Leopards for their outstanding efforts and for the immense joy they have brought to the entire nation. Despite a timid start to the match, they surprised us all by securing a historic victory. This is not merely a sporting triumph; it is a historic event, » Governor Daniel Bumba said. He noted that the DRC had recorded its first-ever victory at a FIFA World Cup. « Even more importantly, our Leopards have advanced beyond the group stage, another unprecedented achievement. From north to south and from east to west, the whole country is celebrating. As for Kinshasa, the city is on fire with excitement. The joy is overwhelming, » the city authority added. The Governor congratulated the Leopards on an achievement that, according to him, has made every Congolese proud. « We also pay well-deserved tribute to the Head of State, His Excellency the President of the Republic. He believed in this team and provided it with the necessary support to achieve this victory, » Mr. Bumba continued. He described the country’s return to the FIFA World Cup, 52 years after its only previous appearance, as a historic achievement. « This remarkable performance is also the result of the strengthening of our national team, made possible through the support of the country’s highest authority. Thank you, Mr. President, for the joy you have brought to the Congolese people through your conviction and unwavering support for our Leopards, » he said.
« From the very beginning of his mandate, the President stated that the Leopards were capable of achieving great things. Many of our talented players were already shining at the World Cup, but under other national colors. Today, thanks to his strategy, we have brought our sons back home. They now proudly wear the national colors and make the DRC proud. This proves that our country is a land of talent, » the Governor recalled.
« Finally, thank you to the entire Congolese population for their unwavering support for the Leopards. It is thanks to this united national spirit that we are celebrating this historic victory today, » he concluded.