DR Congo ends 51-year World Cup drought amid war

Editorial team · Aggregated reporting · 22 May 2026 · 1 min read

DR Congo qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, defeating Jamaica 1-0 in a play-off. Fans in Kinshasa erupted in joy, with one supporter stating, 'Amidst pain and war, this victory makes us proud.' The triumph offers a rare moment of unity for the conflict-ridden nation.