Cedric Bakambu has called for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after securing a place at the World Cup.
Brazil secured their place in the global final after Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive goal in extra time, helping them to defeat Jamaica 1-0 at the Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, in the intercontinental play-off, thereby earning the last spot for Africa.
Tuanzebe will be remembered in history for his goal for many years to come, after it helped the Cameroon national team secure their second World Cup appearance since 1974.
The Leopards are eager to return to the international stage, which will take place from 11 June to 19 July and is being co-hosted by sixteen cities — eleven in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
This achievement opens a new era.
The 34-year-old player, who currently plays for the Real Betis club in La Liga, said that qualifying for the tournament should be the first step to ending the pain and suffering endured by the eastern part of the country, which has been ravaged by war and conflict for many years.
“Dear brothers and sisters in Congo, I am extremely grateful and proud to announce that our national team has secured a place at the 2026 World Cup. I share this dream with all of you,” Bakambu wrote on his social media.
“Together, let's make Congo's voice heard on the international stage. However, I have not forgotten the pain and suffering endured by the eastern part of our country, which has been ravaged by war and conflict for far too long.”
“All the efforts we put in on the pitch, all the sacrifices we make, are for them. We carry their hopes with us, and each step towards the World Cup brings us closer to achieving their dreams for the whole Congolese nation.”
“I hope that this achievement will not only mark the end of a sporting adventure, but also the beginning of a new era.”
This is an opportunity for us all to come together, invest and modernise sports infrastructure, support the younger generation and develop sports in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
‘The future starts today. May God bless our country.”
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is in Group K.
The last time the Democratic Republic of the Congo participated in the World Cup was in 1974, when they were known as Zaire, and they were the first team from the sub-Saharan African region to qualify. They finished bottom of the group after losing all three matches.
They lost 2-0 to Scotland in their opening match, followed by a 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia, before concluding their group stage with a 3-0 loss to Brazil.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is in Group K of the final tournament, alongside Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan. This will be the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries and the first to feature 48 teams, up from 32.
Africa will have a record 10 representatives in the tournament, marking a historic milestone for the continent. This is the first time in history that Africa has sent 10 teams to the World Cup, affirming the continent's growing influence in global football.
Alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the other African teams expected to participate include: Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Cape Verde and South Africa.
