Kinshasa, June 28th, 2026 (CPA).- The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) victory and qualification for the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday in Atlanta, following a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan on Match day Three of Group K, sparked a wave of patriotism across the country, from the highest State authorities to ordinary citizens. The achievement became a powerful symbol of national unity and cohesion around the ideals championed by President Félix Tshisekedi.
« The Leopards’ victory and qualification are a source of national pride » (Prime Minister)
Among the first reactions was that of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, who posted a message on her X account, consulted by CPA on Sunday. « Bravooooo!!! What a proud moment for the Nation! Our Leopards have written a historic page by reaching the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup. This achievement is the result of courage, discipline and a conquering spirit. Stay focused, united and determined. Continue fighting with the same energy. The entire Republic stands behind you. Go Leopards! May God bless the Republic. »
« A new DRC is entirely possible in every sector » (Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Civil Service)
The historic qualification of the Leopards for the Round of 32, secured through their 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, was also praised by Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Lihau on X, where he described the achievement as proof that « a new DRC is entirely possible » through determination and hard work.
« Congratulations to our brave Leopards. This qualification simply proves that a new DRC is entirely possible in every sector. We only need the determination to fight for it. Impossible is not Congolese! Proud to be Congolese. Tomorrow will be better! » he wrote.
« Atlanta has discovered the Leopard Spirit » (Minister in charge of Communication and Media)
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya also celebrated the historic feat. « As predicted, history was written once again tonight! Atlanta has discovered the Leopard Spirit—a steel mentality. Heroic! Historic! Congratulations to our heroes! Thank you for showing the entire world who we are: strong, resilient and determined. »
« Beyond sport, football unites hearts » (Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Defense and Veterans Affairs)
While on official duty in Moanda, Kongo Central Province, Deputy Prime Minister for Defense and Veterans Affairs Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita also welcomed the Leopards’ historic qualification through a message posted on his X account.
He celebrated the victory alongside members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) from the 12th Military Region, highlighting football’s unifying power.
« Beyond sport, football brings people together and makes hearts beat as one. It is a collective source of pride and renewed motivation, » he stated.
« Our Leopards have raised our national flag high » (DRC-USA Friendship Group)
Joseph Bangakya, a member of the DRC-USA Friendship Group, expressed his pride in a statement received by CPA on Sunday. « This is a historic moment for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With this 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, our Leopards have raised our national flag high in the United States of America. Our sincere congratulations go to the players, to the Head of State Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, the foremost supporter of our national football team, and to all the Congolese people for their unwavering support of our Leopards. »
« History has been written—and more is yet to come » (National Assembly DRC-USA Friendship Group)
National Assembly member Eric Tshikuma also hailed the historic qualification, expressing the renewed sense of pride inspired by the Leopards’ achievement. « History has been written. And it will continue to be written. Long live our Leopards. Bendele Ekweya Te, » he wrote. The DRC’s first-ever qualification for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup, secured after defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta during the final Group K match, was likewise welcomed by the DRC-USA Friendship Group within the National Assembly. « This is a historic moment for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With the 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, our Leopards have raised our national flag high in the United States of America. Our heartfelt congratulations go to them, to President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, the foremost manager of our national football team, and to the entire Congolese people for their unwavering support of our Leopards, » the statement, signed by National Assembly member Joseph Bangakya, President of the DRC-USA Friendship Group, read. The victory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo over Uzbekistan was also described by Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba as not only a sporting triumph but also a historic event, according to a video message from City Hall received by CPA on Sunday.
Kinshasa Governor congratulates the Leopards
Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba congratulated the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following their historic 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta, describing the achievement as far more than a sporting success. « We warmly congratulate our Leopards for their tremendous efforts and for the immense joy they have brought to the entire Nation. Despite a timid start to the match, they managed to surprise us and secure a historic victory. This victory is not only a sporting triumph, it is also a historic event, » Governor Daniel Bumba said in a video message from Kinshasa City Hall received by CPA on Sunday.
« The Leopards’ qualification is a remarkable achievement » (Kinshasa Provincial Minister in charge of Trade and Industry)
The qualification of the DRC Leopards for the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following their 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Atlanta, was described as a remarkable achievement by a provincial minister of Kinshasa, according to a statement consulted by CPA. « By qualifying for the Round of 32, our Leopards have accomplished a remarkable achievement. I commend their determination, courage and team spirit, which have characterized them throughout the competition, » the statement read. According to the minister, the qualification represents a major milestone for Congolese football and a source of immense pride throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He encouraged the national team to maintain its momentum ahead of the next-round encounter against England. « Continue believing in your abilities, remain united and always give your best. The entire Nation stands behind you, » he said, urging the Leopards to maintain their focus, discipline and determination in order to continue their journey and write another glorious chapter in the history of Congolese football.