FIFA World Cup 2026: DR Congo president Tshisekedi encourages national team ahead of Uzbekistan clash
Kinshasa, June 27
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi had a passionate message for the national side ahead of their must-win FIFA World Cup clash against Uzbekistan in Atlanta, calling it "not just a football match, but a moment of national unity" and encouraged his people to show their passion and carry the team to a win.
DR Congo played out a 1-1 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal, giving encouraging signs for the tournament. But they lost their next match to Colombia, who are the table toppers. If Portugal slip in their final league stage match against Colombia and DR Congo seize their moment and win, they have a shot at round of 32 qualification.
The DR Congo's President's X handle posted on Saturday, saying, as quoted by Reuters, "This encounter is not just a football match. It is a moment of national unity, a moment when an entire people will look in the same direction, with the same passion, the same hope, and the same love for the flag."
He told the national side that "they will be not alone".
"This Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Atlanta, you will not be alone. Behind you, there will be more than 100 million Congolese people--our families, our youth, our elders, our provinces, our diaspora, our supporters, our soldiers, our workers, our children--all united behind you," Tshisekedi wrote.
"I therefore call on all the Congolese people to mobilise, in unity, passion, and responsibility, to carry our Leopards toward the victory we all hope for," he signed off.
It marks DR Congo's first FIFA WC appearance since 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire and had lost all its matches back then.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's touching to see a president so emotionally invested in his national team. The line "you will not be alone" really hits home. From a Canadian perspective, we know what it's like to rally behind an underdog team. DR Congo's draw with Portugal was impressive - they have real heart. Wishing them success in Atlanta! 🇨🇦🤝🇨🇩
From an Indian perspective, this is so inspiring! We have 1.4 billion people, but our football team hasn't made it to the World Cup since 1950. Seeing DR Congo return after 52 years with such national support gives me hope for Indian football too. Yes, we need infrastructure and grassroots development, but more than that we need this kind of collective spirit. Chalo DR Congo! ⚽🇨🇩
While I appreciate the sentiment, I hope the pressure doesn't get to the players. 100 million people's expectations can be overwhelming. But the draw with Portugal showed they can handle big moments. Uzbekistan will be tough though - they're disciplined and organized. Hope the Leopards stay focused and play their natural game. Solid football from Africa is always exciting to watch!
As a football fan from Mumbai, this gives me goosebumps! Our World Cup dreams may be distant, but we can live vicariously through teams like DR Congo. Their determination reminds me of our own underdog stories - like the Indian cricket team's 1983 World Cup win. Tshisekedi's message is pure leadership material - "a moment when an entire people will look in the same direction." Beautiful! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳⚽🔥
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