Atlanta, July 1 -- Democratic Republic of Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka paid an emotional tribute to the national football team after their spirited FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat to England in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Tuluka praised the players for their historic achievement of taking DR Congo to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, declaring that their performance had inspired millions across the country.

Taking to the social media platform X following the final whistle, the Prime Minister expressed immense national pride in the team's resilience on the world stage.

Sharing a message on X, the Prime Minister wrote, "Brave Leopards, tonight's result ...