DR Congo players receive cash, cars and houses

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government has rewarded the country’s national team players and coaches with money, houses and cars for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

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

A nation rewards its heroes🇨🇩

DR Congo President Félix #Tshisekedi didn’t just say “thank you”. He handed over car keys to the Head coach and captain of the national football team after World Cup qualification. Every player and staff member walked away with a brand new ride!… pic.twitter.com/YE9hzeBfnb

— Richard Kwizera (@Muzungu4) April 6, 2026

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

Tshisekedi: ‘Every DRC player has a house and car’

“I promised them that if they qualified for the World Cup, 52 years later, the country would offer them everything their hearts desired. Every Leopard now has a house and a car. It’s already a given. What remains to be determined is the usual bonus they receive after each match,” said the president.

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.

What you should know about DRC opponents

The next World Cup will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada will host from 11 June to July 19.

The greatest show in the world is ready. Are you? 🏆#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ISxLhuLUkm

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 1, 2026

The Congolese side will return to the global football showpiece for the first time since 1974 hence the government saw it befitting to recognise the feat of the players.

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

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.