Chancel Mbemba called for calm and focus after DR Congo secured a dramatic return to the FIFA World Cup, following their hard fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the inter confederation playoff final.
The decisive moment came deep into extra time when Axel Tuanzebe struck in the 100th minute, turning home from a corner to seal qualification and end the country’s 52 year absence from the global tournament.
Despite the historic achievement, Mbemba was quick to stress the need for balance and continued hard work as the team prepares for the challenge ahead.
Speaking to FIFA Media he said “We’re going to enjoy the qualification, but we’ll keep working. We know we’ll be facing top nations who play in the World Cup every four years. We’ll stay humble, keep our feet on the ground, and continue to work. It won’t be easy, but we’ll give everything to make our supporters and our people proud.”
Mbemba led by example throughout the contest, delivering a commanding defensive performance across the full 120 minutes. He finished the game with 10 clearances, six recoveries and a blocked shot, while also recording 75 touches and completing 43 of his 58 passes to help keep Jamaica at bay in a tense encounter.
Up front, Cedric Bakambu echoed the captain’s sentiments, admitting the magnitude of the moment is yet to fully sink in after a physically demanding match.
“We’re happy, we’re really delighted. It was a difficult match today. Right now, I don’t think we fully realise it yet [that we are qualified], but when we get back to Kinshasa, it’s going to be crazy, and I can’t wait to see all the Congolese people back home. Congratulations to everyone — to my team-mates and to all Congolese people around the world.”
DR Congo now look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they have been drawn in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, marking a long awaited return to football’s biggest stage.
