DR Congo Calls for Peace After World Cup Qualification DR Congo secured the final African spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 extra-time victory over JamaicaFecofa in the intercontinental play-offs. The Leopards’ triumph, achieved at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico, marks their return to the global tournament after a 52-year absence. The decisive goal came from Axel Tuanzebe, whose extra-time strike secured the qualification and will be remembered as a pivotal moment for the nation. This achievement, the first World Cup qualification since 1974, has sparked calls for unity and peace in a country plagued by conflict in the eastern regions. Cedric Bakambu, the DR Congo national team striker, has urged the nation to leverage the qualification as a catalyst for reconciliation. In a social media post, Bakambu emphasized the importance of using the World Cup as a platform to amplify the country’s voice on the global stage. “Together, let’s make Congo’s voice heard,” he wrote, while also highlighting the suffering endured by civilians in the East. He framed the team’s efforts on the field as a tribute to those affected by the ongoing war, stating that every step toward the tournament represents hope for the Congolese people. Bakambu’s message underscores the intersection of sports and politics, positioning the World Cup qualification as a symbol of collective resilience. The qualification also marks the beginning of a new era for DR Congo’s football infrastructure. Bakambu called for investment in modernizing sporting facilities, supporting youth development, and expanding football’s reach across the country. His vision aligns with broader aspirations to transform the nation’s approach to sports, viewing it as a unifying force capable of fostering national pride and stability.#world_cup_2026 #dr_congo #cedric_bakambu #axel_tuanzebe #group_k
Cédric Bakambu Returns to Seville After Congo's World Cup Qualification Celebration Cédric Bakambu has returned to Seville, though his arrival did not coincide with his rejoining the Real Betis squad for the upcoming UEFA Europa League quarter-final. The Congolese striker landed in the city after a week of historic celebrations in his homeland, following the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The team secured their place by defeating Jamaica in a crucial qualifier, marking the country’s first World Cup qualification in 52 years. Bakambu’s return to Seville was delayed by the extensive festivities organized by his federation to commemorate the DRC’s achievement. These events kept him away from the team’s training sessions and prevented him from participating in the official celebrations. As a result, he missed the previous league match against Espanyol, which had already sparked frustration within Real Betis. The club’s management expressed disappointment over his absence, emphasizing the importance of his presence for the upcoming Europa League clash against SC Braga. Despite his return, Bakambu will not be included in the squad for the first leg of the quarter-final against Braga. The coaching staff has opted to exclude him, citing the need to prioritize the team’s preparation for the match. This decision has further intensified the tension between Real Betis and the DRC federation, which has been criticized for retaining the player beyond the officially sanctioned dates for such events. Real Betis, along with other affected clubs, has formally lodged a complaint with LaLiga, urging the league governing body to address the scheduling conflict.#la_liga #fifa #real_betis #cedric_bakambu #democratic_republic_of_the_congo
