Dressed for the occasion: DR Congo arrive in America with a roar
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 12.06.26. | 20:00
Leopard-print entrance ensures their World Cup journey begins in an unforgettable fashion
If first impressions count, DR Congo have already won a few admirers at this World Cup.
The Leopards touched down in Houston on Thursday and did so in fitting fashion, arriving in eye-catching leopard-print outfits that turned heads and instantly lived up to their nickname.
The Leopards pic.twitter.com/lNXXX8dXR9
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) June 12, 2026
After waiting more than five decades for a return to football's biggest stage, DR Congo looked every bit a team ready to embrace the spotlight.
Their journey to the United States, however, has been anything but straightforward. The squad spent three weeks in Belgium after an Ebola outbreak in their home country forced a late change of plans and delayed their arrival for the tournament.
📷 Retour sur l'arrivée des nos Léopards 🐆 sur le sol américain.
— Fecofa RDC_Officiel (@FecofaRdc) June 12, 2026
52 ans d'attente résumés en un seul objectif, faire vibrer la République Démocratique du Congo sur le toit du monde.
Portons haut notre drapeau 🇨🇩, L'histoire s'écrit maintenant.#RoadToWorldCup #FecofaRdc pic.twitter.com/Nbz9e7SpRp
Despite the disruption, head coach Sebastien Desabre insists his side are ready for the challenge ahead.
"We already had the honour of qualifying for the finals. Now, it is up to us to put up a good showing in this tournament," he said.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo are preparing for their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed under the name Zaire. Their campaign begins on June 17 against Portugal, but judging by their stylish entrance, the Leopards have already made an impression before a ball has even been kicked.