The Democratic Republic of Congo, commonly known as DR Congo, is set to compete in the World Cup round of 32, where they will face England. This marks the team's second appearance in the tournament, with their debut occurring in 1974 when the nation was known as Zaire. That initial campaign resulted in three losses without scoring, including a significant 9-0 defeat against Yugoslavia.
The team's journey to this World Cup has been characterized by steady progress, a sentiment echoed in the Congolese proverb, "little by little, grow the bananas." After a 52-year absence from the World Cup, the national football team, often referred to as the Leopards, has seen a resurgence under the guidance of French head coach Sebastien Desabre. Desabre, who has extensive coaching experience in Africa, led DR Congo to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has now qualified them for the World Cup.
Desabre has focused on integrating fresh talent, with a significant portion of the current World Cup squad born in Europe, drawing from the large Congolese diaspora. This strategy has yielded positive results, leading to the team's qualification for the current tournament. In their qualifying matches for this World Cup, DR Congo secured their first-ever World Cup point by drawing 1-1 with Portugal, followed by a 1-0 loss to Colombia. Their progression to the round of 32 was confirmed with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, securing them a spot as one of the best third-placed teams.
The 1974 World Cup campaign for Zaire is remembered not only for its on-field results but also for a notable incident involving right-back Mwepu Ilunga. During a match against Brazil, Ilunga intentionally kicked the ball away as Brazil prepared for a free-kick. This act was a form of protest, as the players had learned their expected wages and bonuses would not be paid, and President Mobutu had threatened them with exile if they lost by more than three goals. Ilunga received a yellow card for his actions, and Zaire ultimately lost the match 3-0. Despite being allowed to return home, their funding was subsequently cut by the president.
For years following their 1974 debut, the team, which had won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1968 and 1974, struggled with conflict, corruption, poor governance, and a lack of facilities, keeping them on the periphery of international football. The current team's success represents a significant shift. Superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga, known for his distinctive patriotic attire and silent imitation of Patrice Lumumba during matches, has been officially included in the delegation at the players' request, highlighting a renewed sense of national pride.
DR Congo's round of 32 match against England is scheduled to be broadcast live on BBC One on Wednesday, July 1, with coverage beginning at 16:00 BST. The game will also be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website and app.