Ibrahimovic and Henry bring DR Congo’s Fimbu to pundit studio

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry grabbed the spotlight after DR Congo’s historic World Cup run, rallying the Fox Sports studio crew to perform the famous Fimbu dance following a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.

The Fimbu dance didn’t stay in the DR Congo stands.

In the Fox Sports studio, where Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry work as World Cup pundits, Ibrahimovic brought the now-famous Congolese celebration straight into the room—down to the whipping motion and the chant that followed.

DR Congo’s momentum is the reason it spilled beyond the pitch. The Congolese, one of the nine African teams that made it to the Round of 32, sealed World Cup history on Sunday by reaching the knockout round for the first time, after a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.

Yoane Wissa scored twice, with Fiston Mayle adding another goal to secure the victory. It also marked DR Congo’s fourth World Cup goal, and every time the team has scored, they have done the Fimbu dance.

The Fimbu itself is a popular Congolese dance and celebration move. In Lingala, it translates to “the whip,” and it symbolizes overwhelming opponents with intensity—wrapped tightly in DR Congo national football pride.

That energy was on full display in the studio. The celebration features a distinct downward whipping motion with the right hand, while the left hand holds an imaginary object. Each score has fans watching for the moment the move starts.

In the studio, Ibrahimovic took the lead. “The World Cup starts tomorrow with the knockout round, here we come. Thierry give me that Fimbu,” the former AC Milan, Barcelona, Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain striker said.

He then had the entire studio crew join in, leading the Fimbu dance while shouting: “Everybody, Fimbu, Fimbu, let’s go. You are going to see that Fimbu next game.”

For DR Congo, the next game is already the next chapter. Fans will be hoping the celebration returns when the Leopards take on England in the Round of 32.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Thierry Henry DR Congo Fimbu dance World Cup pundits Round of 32 Uzbekistan England Yoane Wissa Fiston Mayle