DR Congo

DR Congo, the Leopards, are one of Africa's sleeping giants, a vast and football-obsessed nation with a glorious past and a deep well of talent scattered across Europe's top leagues. Two-time African champions, the Leopards carry enormous footballing potential.

As Zaire, DR Congo were the first sub-Saharan African nation to reach the World Cup, in 1974, though the inexperienced side lost all three matches, including a chastening 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia and the surreal moment when Mwepu Ilunga charged out of his wall to clear a free kick. A 52-year wait for a return ended when the Leopards won their intercontinental playoff to reach the 2026 finals, a triumphant new chapter for one of African football's historic names.