Cedric Bakambu pleads for end to DRC war

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) forward Cédric Bakambu has urged his compatriots to use the national team’s qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals to reflect on the suffering caused by the ongoing war in the Central African country.

The Real Betis winger made the plea via a letter which he has published on his official Facebook page, addressing all his countrymen.

#Mondial2026 pic.twitter.com/iTmcjzHkCg

— U.S. Embassy Kinshasa (@USEmbKinshasa) March 31, 2026

“I am filled with gratitude and pride to announce that we have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with our national team. This dream I share with all of you. Together, let’s make Congo’s voice heard on the world stage,” reads the letter from the La Liga star.

“However, I do not forget the pain and suffering experienced in the east of our country, ravaged by war and conflict for too many years. Every effort we provide on the field, every moment of sacrifice, is also for them. We carry their hopes with us, and every step towards the World Cup is a step towards hope for all the Congolese people.”

Bakambu: ‘Do not forget pain and suffering’

The 34-year-old La Liga player also urged the DRC football authorities and the government to leverage on the Leopards’ return to the World Cup by investing in infrastructure for youth football development.

“May this qualification not be the end of a simple sporting adventure, but the beginning of a new era. This is an opportunity for all of us to gather, invest, modernize our sporting infrastructures, accompany our youth and spread sport in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The future begins today,” Bakambu added.

The message from the LaLiga star has come at a time when celebrations are continuing in Congo where the government has gifted the national team players and coaching panel with money, houses and cars as a reward for qualifying for the World Cup finals.

DRC bask in World Cup qualification euphoria

On Sunday, the DRC government, through President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, hosted the Leopards players and coaches to a dinner to congratulate them.

The DRC leader then handed over car keys to the head coach Sébastien Désabre and the national team captain Chancel Mbemba. Every player and staff member walked away with a new car.

The Leopards qualified for the major event after edging Jamaica 1-0 in Mexico during the inter-continental play-offs on Tuesday March 31, courtesy of former Manchester United star Alex Tuanzebe’s goal.

The Leopards will join at the World Cup finals fellow African teams such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt.

At the World Cup to run from June 11 July 19, the DRC will compete from the Group K phase alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.