DR Congo eliminated in round of 32
The DR Congo national team was eliminated in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup after a 2-1 loss to England. Despite this, President Moise Katumbi hailed the team for their historic campaign.
A historic campaign
DR Congo played their first World Cup match in 52 years and produced one of the standout performances of the knockout stage. The team was led by Brian Cipenga, who scored the team's first World Cup goal. The goal was scored after a quick counterattack and gave the team a 1-0 lead.
English pressure
England responded with attacking substitutions in the second half, introducing Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka before bringing on Eberechi Eze. The English pressure eventually paid off, with Harry Kane scoring two goals for England, including the winning goal in the 86th minute.
A grateful president
President Moise Katumbi hailed the team for their historic campaign and thanked coach Sebastien Desabre for having 'soothed the hearts of all Congolese' with a historic qualification for the knockout stage. 'I want to say thank you to our valiant #Leopards and to Coach Desabre for having achieved the feat of soothing the hearts of all Congolese', tweeted Katumbi.
A promising future
Despite their elimination, DR Congo demonstrated a promising future in the World Cup. The team played with an offensive style of play and scored important goals. It is to be hoped that the team will continue to progress and represent DR Congo with pride in the World Cup.
