Atlanta (USA) (AFP) – The Democratic Republic of Congo’s long journey to its first World Cup in 52 years has been fraught with difficulties its English opponents in the round of 16 can scarcely imagine.
First modification: 06/30/2026 – 12:54
3 min. Reading time
Overcoming 13 qualifying matches, a pre-tournament quarantine due to an Ebola outbreak and instability caused by decades of conflict, the war-torn country is making its mark on the world stage.
“It’s not easy in our country,” said Yoane Vissa after his two goals secured the country’s first World Cup victory over Uzbekistan.
That success saw them face England on Wednesday, where the Newcastle striker has played for the last five years.
Vissa is far from the only English liaison on the team.
Defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka was born in London and played for England at the Under-21 level.
Axel Tuanzebe also represented the Three Lions at youth level and could face his former classmate and teammate Marcus Rashford in Atlanta.
Of the 26 called, 20 were born outside the Congo; the majority, like Wissa, are in France.
“We want peace”
Yoan Wissa celebrates DR Congo’s victory over Uzbekistan in Atlanta, June 27, 2026. © Molly Darlington/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
The fight for control of Congo’s mineral-rich eastern part has sparked years of conflict among a long list of armed groups and forced many families to flee for safety in Europe.
“There is a war going on in eastern Congo. Every day, every time we put on this shirt, we think about them,” recalls Vissa.
“We want peace,” he emphasized. “For them, I just say thank you. Thank you because we came from afar. We came from nothing to be here. Now we are writing our history.”
The inspiring story on the grass has its roots in this tragic story.
Attracting and recruiting dual nationality players has become a crucial factor for smaller countries who want to make it big in international football.
“The new generation wants to help”
In the case of Congo, Wan-Bissaka was one of those who had to be convinced first.
Signed from Manchester United for £50 million ($66 million) when he was just 21, DR Congo pounced on him when his dream career in England failed to materialize.
But as the Leopards’ popularity grew, players became increasingly willing to join the Congolese cause.
Noah Sadiki represented Belgium at youth level and would almost certainly have become a regular for the Red Devils had the Sunderland midfielder not switched his national team.
“There is a new generation that wants to help the people of the country,” Sadiki told L’Equipe newspaper.
The country’s only previous participation in the World Cup for Zaire in 1974 ended with a disgraceful record of 14 goals conceded in three defeats.
More than half a century later, Congo’s new generation has given the country something to dream about.
The Ebola outbreak, which has claimed more than 300 lives, also had an impact on the team’s preparations for the World Cup.
The United States imposed a 21-day isolation period on players in Belgium before allowing them entry.
His most famous fan, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known for his statue-like pose in honor of the country’s first leader Patrice Lumumba, was turned away at the border and unable to enter the United States.
But the team led by Frenchman Sebastien Desabre defied all odds.
Desabre’s men stopped Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal 1-1 before losing 1-0 to Colombia but rallied against Uzbekistan 3-1 to reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Now they are faced with a challenge from England, one of the favorites, but it is unlikely that after everything they have experienced, Congo will be intimidated.
© 2026 AFP