DR Congo

🌍 World Cup Story

DR Congo's only previous World Cup appearance was in 1974 in West Germany, when they competed as Zaire — the first sub-Saharan African team at a World Cup. Their participation ended in infamy when Mwepu Ilunga famously ran from the wall and kicked the ball away during a Brazilian free-kick, reportedly fearing another heavy defeat after already losing 9-0 to Yugoslavia. The story behind that moment, only fully revealed decades later, was heartbreaking — the regime of dictator Mobutu had threatened the players if they lost by more than three goals. Since the country's renaming to DR Congo, they have been AFCON regulars, reaching the 2015 and 2023 semifinals. Yoane Wissa (Brentford) and Chancel Mbemba are players of genuine quality.