DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi delivered a passionate message to the national football team ahead of their decisive FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match against Uzbekistan in Atlanta. Calling the encounter "not just a football match, but a moment of national unity," Tshisekedi urged the entire nation to rally behind the Leopards.
President's call for national mobilization
In a post on the presidency's X handle on Saturday, Tshisekedi stated, 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 emphasized that the team would not be alone, adding, "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 concluded by calling on all Congolese to mobilize "in unity, passion, and responsibility, to carry our Leopards toward the victory we all hope for."
DR Congo's World Cup journey so far
DR Congo earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, in their opening match, raising hopes for a strong tournament performance. However, they lost their second group stage match to Colombia, who currently sit atop the group standings. With one match remaining, DR Congo's path to the round of 32 depends on a win against Uzbekistan combined with a slip-up by Portugal against Colombia.
Historic return to the World Cup
This marks DR Congo's first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire and lost all its matches. The current campaign has already generated significant national pride, with Tshisekedi's message underscoring the symbolic importance of the team's performance.
