The Democratic Republic of Congo is celebrating a major sporting milestone after qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in more than 50 years. A narrow 1–0 playoff win over Jamaica in Mexico sealed the historic ticket, sparking excitement well beyond the DRC’s borders — including in neighboring Rwanda.
Rwanda’s Government Spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, marked the moment with a message on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting football’s unique ability to bring people together.
“Football is beautiful because a team from many provinces, many languages and many stories can wear one jersey and make a whole nation dream. That spirit of unity is too precious to be turned into hate,” she wrote, adding: “Félicitations! #Fimbu!”
On the streets of Kigali, the sentiment is echoed by football fans. Jado Uwamuremye says he will be rooting for the DRC at the World Cup, describing the country as “our Western neighbours” and expressing hope that the team will represent the region well on the global stage.
Her remarks carry added weight given the long-standing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. In that context, the message reads as more than just a sporting tribute — it is also a quiet call to preserve the unifying spirit of the game, even in a region often defined by political and security challenges.
At a moment of celebration for Congolese football, it is also a reminder of sport’s rare ability to cut across divides — and perhaps, however briefly, point to a different kind of shared future.
