TOPSHOT - Two young boys with their faces painted in the colors of the Democratic Republic of Congo's flag look disappointed after Portugal scored during a FIFA World Cup match between DR Congo and Portugal in Bunia, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, on June 17, 2026. The Congolese Leopards played their first match of the tournament in Houston, Texas (United States), against Portugal (11). The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had last qualified for a World Cup in 1974. The country was then called Zaire, and the dictator Mobutu Sese Seko was in power (19651997). At nightfall in downtown Bunia, the capital of Ituri (northeast), a crowd gathered in the street, standing in front of a modest television screen. Above a barbecue where skewers sold individually were grilling, the owner of a small stall had hung up a screen so people could watch the match. (Photo by Jospin Mwisha / AFP via Getty Images)