President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) delivered a powerful message to Congolese expatriates in Houston, Texas, during a meeting following the DRC national football team’s historic draw against Portugal in the FIFA World Cup.

The head of state emphasized the critical importance of national unity and vigilance against divisive rhetoric that threatens the country’s stability. Addressing the crowd gathered in the Texan city, he warned: « Their accomplices have gone mad. Stay united. Do not let them deceive you or use regionalism to manipulate you. Refuse to betray your country. There are still sorcerers among us — we thought they were only in Rwanda, but they have infiltrated our ranks. »

Tshisekedi also celebrated the Léopards’ performance, highlighting how their victory over Portugal — achieved despite the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC — sent a strong message to the world. « The Léopards have made us proud. I have asked FIFA to add more tickets for our compatriots here if we advance. Fear nothing — we will provide resources to our ambassador, » he declared to thunderous applause.

The president drew a powerful parallel between the football field and national resilience: « Today, everyone who feared Cristiano Ronaldo saw how we played — a nation at war, yet still standing tall. Let us rise, as our national anthem commands. Show the world the dignity of being Congolese. »

On the security front, Tshisekedi expressed cautious optimism about the situation in eastern DRC, particularly in Goma and Bukavu, where celebrations erupted following the match. « I believe that in the coming days, all of Congo will be liberated. Our brothers and sisters are celebrating, and we will unite. The enemies infiltrated us, but we have learned our lesson. Now, it is time to build something greater. »

The president concluded his address with a call to national pride and investment across all sectors: « We began with the Léopards, but we will extend this momentum to football, basketball, science, education — every field. Be proud to be Congolese. It is my mission to restore that pride in you. »

This historic match marked the DRC’s first-ever point in a FIFA World Cup, a milestone achieved under challenging circumstances. Tshisekedi’s speech underscored the intersection of sports, politics, and national identity in shaping the future of the DRC.