DR Congo Declares Holiday for 2026 World Cup Qualification

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo announced that April 1, 2026, will be observed as a nationwide public holiday to celebrate the national football team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup. This declaration was made in a statement by the Ministry of Employment and Labour.

The holiday is intended to allow citizens to commemorate this significant achievement, which is seen as a moment of unity and national pride. The national football team, known as the Leopards, is recognized as a symbol of national identity, and fans across the country have taken to the streets to celebrate the team's success in the qualification campaign.

In preparation for the holiday, authorities will implement security measures to ensure public safety in major cities, including Kinshasa. The Leopards, who are two-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, aim to re-establish themselves among Africa's elite teams, making this qualification a significant milestone for Congolese football.