WC Countdown: Leopards' 52-year wait is over - now, it's time to deliver

In their only FIFA World Cup outing 52 years ago, they suffered one of the three largest defeats in the competition's history, losing 9-0 to Yugoslavia, then playing as Zaire, finishing last in their group, which also included Brazil and Scotland, without points and with a 0-14 goal difference.

That name has long been consigned to history, as is the country that thrashed them. Now, it's time to create new memories under the name DR Congo.

Massamba Kilasu (#6) of Zaire stops Brazil's Jairzinho, as Mabwene Mana (#8) watches - Gelsenkirchen, Germany, June 22, 1974, FIFA World Cup (©AFP)

A day before the 52nd anniversary of that horrendous Gelsenkirchen defeat, the Leopards will officially return to the biggest stage, playing their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup game against Portugal, the main favourite in Group K.

The Navigators will be the first and toughest challenge for Sebastien Desabre's men, though the remaining two obstacles, Colombia and Uzbekistan, will also be hard to overcome. Yet, considering the Leopards' squad depth and stars like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Noah Sadiki, Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa, and others, they have to aim high and set their sights on at least the knockout phase.

DR Congo cancel their World Cup preparations due to Ebola outbreak

A recent Ebola outbreak back home seriously affected DR Congo's World Cup preparations, forcing them to cancel their camp in the USA and shift it to Belgium. On top of that, their warm-up match against Chile, supposed to be played in Spain, was banned for "preventive reasons", rescheduled for tomorrow (18.00), and relocated to Orleans, France.

Either way, once the World Cup begins, all the problems will be put aside, with only one goal in mind - to go as deep as possible in the tournament.

Main virtues:

Given that the Leopards reached the World Cup through the African four-team play-offs, edging Cameroon in the semi-finals and Nigeria in the final, it can be said that their biggest strengths are mental toughness, pressure handling, and resilience.

If their undeniable quality is added to that mix, they could surprise many.

Star of the team:

Although some other players, like Bakambu and Mbemba, shone during the qualifiers, and despite a knee injury that nearly derailed his previous season, Yoane Wissa is the key man in Desabre's squad.

Yoane Wissa (©AFP)

Notwithstanding a dip in form, the Newcastle striker is the same player who bagged 19 Premier League goals for Brentford in the 2024/2025 campaign. If he gets back to his best during the World Cup, he’ll be a nightmare for the opposing defenders.

Key weaknesses:

Apart from the Ebola case mentioned above, the lack of creativity can be highlighted as DR Congo's main disadvantage. The Leopards struggle to produce chances from open play and consequently often give up possession too easily. Portugal and Colombia will know how to capitalize on that and punish them.

DR Congo's friendly banned due to 'preventive reasons'

Predictions:

Despite being underdogs against Portugal, the Congolese have decent odds of advancing to the knockout phase. They are good enough to snatch at least a point against Colombia, while their key game could come against debutants Uzbekistan, a match in which they will have no margin for error.