Who Leads DR Congo’s National Team?
Sebastien Desabre, a French tactician, is overseeing his eleventh coaching position on the African continent.
The 49‑year‑old coach has led DR Congo to successive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including a semi‑final appearance in 2023 and a World Cup berth, after previously achieving success with Uganda.
How did DR Congo qualify for the round of 32?
They secured their first World Cup point by drawing 1‑1 with favourites Portugal, then fell 1‑0 to Colombia. To advance, they faced Uzbekistan and won 3‑1, finishing among the best third‑placed teams.
Where can I watch DR Congo’s match?
Their round‑of‑32 encounter with England will be broadcast live on BBC One on Wednesday, 1 July, with pre‑match coverage beginning at 16:00 BST.
The game will also be streamed live on BBC Radio 5 Live, the BBC Sport website, and the BBC Sport app.
A Fact to Impress Your Friends
Superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga, known for his viral displays of patriotism at the Africa Cup of Nations, has been appointed to DR Congo’s official World Cup delegation at the players’ request.
Since 2013, Mboladinga has donned vibrant suits and silently posed as a statue of revolutionary leader Patrice Lumumba, raising one arm, during every match.
In‑Depth Details
The Congolese proverb little by little, grow the bananas underscores patience and steady progress. However, after a 52‑year wait — the joint‑fourth longest interval between World Cup appearances for any nation — patience has worn thin, and progress has stalled — until now.
Determination now drives a shift in the nation’s World Cup narrative, following a 1974 debut that left them open to ridicule. At the time, the country was known as Zaire and lost all three group matches, including a 9‑0 defeat to Yugoslavia.
The infamous moment arrived when right‑back Mwepu Ilunga surged from the defensive line to kick the ball away as Brazil prepared a free‑kick.
Audience members unaware of the political protest did not realize the gesture. The players, having learned they would not receive the promised wages and bonuses, faced threats from Zaire President Mobutu that they would be exiled if they lost by more than three goals against Brazil.
Ilunga hoped to waste time and be sent off; he received only a yellow card, Zaire lost 3‑0, were permitted to return home, and Mobutu subsequently cut their funding.
Ever since, the 1968 and 1974 African champions have remained on the margins of world football due to conflict, corruption, poor governance, and inadequate facilities.
Current head coach Desabre has introduced fresh talent from the extensive Congolese diaspora — all but six members of the World Cup squad were born in Europe — and the nation is beginning to reap the rewards of his patient development.
How Have DR Congo Performed in Previous World Cups?
The central African nation has appeared in the World Cup only once, in 1974 when it was known as Zaire, losing all three group matches without scoring, including a 9‑0 defeat to Yugoslavia.