Few teams were more impressive than DR Congo in the first round of matches at the 2026 World Cup . Opposite one of the tournament favorites and making their first appearance in the World Cup since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire, DR Congo pushed Portugal to the brink in a 1-1 draw. Les Leopards were disciplined in defense and threatening on the counterattack, and were slightly unlucky not to get the victory. DR Congo only had 25 percent of the possession, but they created 0.85