World Cup 2026: DR Congo, Zaire 1974 and the Rumble in the Jungle

DR Congo return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire and made its historic debut as the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify. The 1974 campaign in West Germany proved disastrous, with three defeats and 14 goals conceded against none scored, but one moment remains etched in World Cup folklore.

During Zaire's group match against Brazil, defender Mwepu Ilunga bolted from the defensive wall as the reigning champions prepared to take a free-kick and thumped the ball downfield. The incident was met with ridicule and accusations that Zaire's players did not understand football's laws. Almost 40 years later, Ilunga revealed the truth: "I was aware of football regulations I did it on purpose." The player explained he was protesting unpaid allowances from FIFA, saying "I did not have a reason to continue getting injured while those who will benefit financially were sitting on the terraces watching."

The same year, Kinshasa hosted the Rumble in the Jungle, Muhammad Ali's fight against George Foreman. Journalist Justin Kabala recalled: "Geopolitically President Mobutu really pulled off a media coup because his country was discovered and became known across the world." Mobutu used sport as a political tool, rewarding the Leopards squad with houses and cars after they claimed the African Cup of Nations title.

Zaire had become the first country from sub-Saharan Africa to qualify for a World Cup with a 100% record, but players had initially refused to play against Yugoslavia over unpaid allowances. Former Zaire forward Mayanga Maku told BBC Sport Africa: "President Mobutu took us under his wing... We were on the right track until we arrived there."

Now, 52 years later, DR Congo face England in the last 32 on Wednesday at 17:00 BST. Like the Rumble in the Jungle, Kabala sees this match as an opportunity for a country affected by conflict and corruption to reclaim unity and dignity on the world stage.