World Cup
DR Congo Declares Public Holiday After Historic World Cup Qualification
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo declared Wednesday a public holiday following the national team’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup—their first appearance in 52 years.
The Leopards secured their place at the global tournament on Tuesday night after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff. Defender Axel Tuanzebe emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 100th minute of a tense encounter.
In a statement, the Ministry of Labour and Employment described the triumph as “historic,” announcing a nationwide day off to allow citizens to “celebrate in unity, fervour and national pride.” The declaration led to widespread closures across the capital, Kinshasa, with banks and shops shutting their doors in observance.
However, the late announcement—made around 08:00 local time—meant that some businesses proceeded with normal operations, catching employers off guard.
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations across Kinshasa, with fans pouring into the streets shortly after the final whistle, which came just before 01:00 local time on Wednesday. In the Kingabwa district, supporters chanted and danced, revelling in a moment of national pride.
“This victory makes us proud… I feel so emotional and happy,” one fan told the BBC, reflecting the mood in a country long affected by conflict and instability.
DR Congo’s qualification carries deep symbolic significance. The nation last appeared at the World Cup in 1974, when it competed as Zaire. Their return to football’s biggest stage comes amid ongoing tensions in the eastern region, where fighting escalated last year following advances by the M23 rebel group.
Despite strained relations between DR Congo and Rwanda, the latter’s government extended congratulations. Deputy government spokesperson Jean Maurice Uwera praised the achievement on social media, urging the Leopards to make Africa proud.
The Congolese side will face a challenging group at the expanded World Cup, beginning with a clash against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Houston on June 17. They will also take on Colombia and Uzbekistan in the group stage.
DR Congo’s qualification makes them the 10th African nation to book a place at the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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