In 1974, Zaire [now Democratic Republic of Congo] made their debut in the World Cup tournament but received a thrashing, prompting their then dictatorial President Mobutu Sese Seko to issue a warning to the team. After being defeated 9-0 by Yugoslavia, Mobutu warned the team that they would not be allowed back into the country if they would be beaten four goals and more by next team on line Brazil. The team lose 3-0 to Brazil.
During the match, one of their player, Mwepu Ilunga, sprinted from the free kick wall and kicked the ball away, in protest for President Mobutu’s reluctance to pay the players their bonuses. But some quarters argue bonuses was idiomatic protest of dictatorial resistance engulfing Africa then. For Mobutu had rewarded the players for qualifying to the World Cup each with a car and a house.
Conversely. In a country marred by armed conflict, where rebel group M23 controls parts of the territory and millions have been displaced, and where an Ebola outbreak has already killed 377 people, DR Congo team at 2026 FIFA World Cup have uplifted spirits onto citizens.