DRC : The Leopards World Cup squad for the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico tournament

Kinshasa, September 22 nd, 2026 (CPA).- The Leopards of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, participating in the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, have been decorated on Tuesday at the Cite Africaine marquee, in Kinshasa, by President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi in his capacity as Supreme Chancellor of the NationalOrders, for their discipline and spirit of sacrifice on behalf of the nation. ‘Today, in mycapacity as President of the Republic, it falls to me to give this popular gratitude its solemn and lasting expression: the nation’s recognition. For the Republic has a duty to honour those who serve it with excellence. Through the honours bestowed upon you, the nation honours a historic sporting achievement. It also recognises discipline, dedication to hard work, a spirit of sacrifice and a shared determination to fly our country’s colours high,” has declared Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the Republic. Around thirty players and eight officials,including the Minister in charge of Sport and Leisure, Mr Didier Budimbu, have received thisdistinction from the first Congolese sportsman, who says he has experienced the Leopards’wonderful World Cup adventure, 52 years on, with the fervour of an entire nation: “I have experienced this adventure with the fervour of millions of Congolese men and women. Ihaveshared in the anticipation, the excitement and the immense pride.” A recognition that, for him, extends to all those who contributed to this journey. The players who have given theirallon the pitch, the coaching staff who has prepared and supported them throughout their campaign, the Ministry in charge of Sport which has helped to create the conditions for thissuccess, and the members of the official delegation whose dedication has sustained theteam throughout its mission. Each has played its part in this achievement, and together they have given the nation a joy that is now part of its history.Inonga, Diangana, Essende and Bertaud also decoratedNot selected amongst the 28 players who have played in this World Cup, Henoch Inonga Baka, Samuel Essende, Grandi Diangana and Dimitri Bertaud have also been decorated by the President of the Republic for all they have given during the World Cup qualifying campaign. The four players, like all their team-mates, have played a very important role throughout the long qualifying campaign, which has gone all the way to the intercontinental play-offs. Moreover, it should be noted that Cedric Bakambu, Lionel Mpasi and Charles Pickel, who were absent from this ceremony, will receive their distinctions once they are inKinshasa. ACP/