World Cup 2026: beating England would be the ultimate feat for DR Congo

01.07.26 FT World Cup

England

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DR Congo

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Having secured a historic qualification for the round of 16, the Leopards face England this Wednesday in Atlanta. A win would etch DR Congo into an already rich tapestry of footballing exploits.

This Wednesday in Atlanta, DR Congo will play the biggest match in its footballing history. The Leopards have never before reached this stage of the competition since their sole appearance in 1974, when they played as Zaire. Now, facing an England side ranked fourth in the FIFA standings, a victory would crown an already impressive run on the continental stage and deliver the nation its very first win over a former World Cup champion.

A pioneering nation since 1974

Indeed, this is only DR Congo’s second-ever appearance at a World Cup. Their first dates back to 1974, under the name Zaire, when they became the very first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for the tournament. That German adventure ended at the group stage, most notably with a heavy 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia. Fifty-two years later, the Leopards have made their return by defeating Uzbekistan (3-1) on the final day of the group stage, following a hard-fought draw against Portugal and a narrow loss to Colombia. This time, unlike in 1974, they have finally broken through to the knockout rounds.

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A strong continental record

On the African stage, the Congolese national team boasts a genuine pedigree, built over several decades:

• Two continental titles: AFCON 1968 (1-0 win in the final against Ghana) and AFCON 1974 (victory over Zambia)
• The record for most goals scored in a single AFCON tournament, still held by Pierre Ndaye Mulamba with 9 goals in 1974
• Third place at AFCON 1998 and a semi-final appearance in 2015
• A CHAN 2009 title (reserved for domestic-based players), earned with a 3-0 win over Ghana in the final

The trophy cabinet is there. However, it is comprised mainly of continental silverware. On the world stage, DR Congo has never before progressed beyond the group stage of a World Cup.

Beating England: an unprecedented feat on the continent

This is what gives Wednesday’s match such magnitude. England, however, are no ordinary opponent: ranked fourth by FIFA, they topped their group with seven points, including a 4-2 opening win over Croatia. Of the 11 matches played by African teams against former World Cup champions in the knockout stages, only one has ever ended in victory: Morocco’s penalty shootout win over Spain in the round of 16 in 2022. That remains the sole exception in 94 years of World Cup history.

Eliminating England would mean joining that exclusive club, while delivering DR Congo its best ever World Cup performance—fifty-two years after their first and only previous appearance. It’s a scenario the Leopards, buoyed by their experienced defense led by captain Chancel Mbemba and the attacking threat of Yoane Wissa, believe is possible as kickoff approaches in Atlanta.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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