Live Roundups Editor's Desk Insights Executive Ops Weather About 🔍
Home › Sport › Congo's 1974 World Cup pioneers
Sport

Congo's 1974 World Cup pioneers

Congo's 1974 World Cup pioneers
France 24 Friday 12 June 2026, 13:41 UTC By FRANCE24 1 min read
Key Points

Back in 1974, when what is now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo was called Zaire, the national football team—known as the Leopards—was the first from Sub-Saharan Africa to compete in the World Cup. As the Leopards prepare to return to the World Cup for a second time, we meet the former stars of Congolese football, as well as those who documented their journey.

Back in 1974, when what is now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo was called Zaire, the national football team—known as the Leopards—was the first from Sub-Saharan Africa to compete in the World Cup. As the Leopards prepare to return to the World Cup for a second time, we meet the former stars of Congolese football, as well as those who documented their journey. [Image text:] EYEON AFRICA
Congo (LOCATION) 1974 World Cup (EVENT) the Democratic Republic of Congo (LOCATION) Zaire (LOCATION) Sub-Saharan Africa (LOCATION) the World Cup (EVENT) Congolese (ORG)
Originally published by France 24 Read original →

Related Stories

UFC at the White House preview: Expert picks, stor...

The UFC's most anticipated fight card of 2026 is here. After nearly a year of planning and talk, 14 fighters are set to take their Octagon walks on Sunday from the White House to a custom-built stage on the South Lawn, where President Donald Trump and more than 4,000 other UFC fans will take in the fights. The setting is unlike any other in professional sports history, but will the fights themselves live up to the atmosphere?

ESPN just now

Broncos' Cooper arrested for alleged harassment

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper was arrested Thursday night on multiple charges that he violated a protection order that was filed against him earlier in the week. It is the second time this month that Cooper has been arrested. In addition to multiple charges from his first arrest, including a felony charge, he is facing new charges: one for harassment from repeated phone calls and one for the violation of a protection order, according to records.

ESPN 5m ago

Raducanu beats Cirstea to book Queen's quarter-final spot

Britain's Emma Raducanu books her place in the quarter-finals of the Queen's Club Championship with a dominant straight sets win over Romania's Sorana Cirstea.

BBC Sport 9m ago

Activists form human Palestine flag at World Cup opener in Mexico City

Activists form human Palestine flag at World Cup opener in Mexico City Activists form human Palestine flag at World Cup opener in Mexico City Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Mexico City during the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to form a giant human Palestinian flag. Organisers said the action sought to keep the Palestinian struggle in the spotlight during one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. Published On 12 Jun 2026

Al Jazeera 22m ago