55 Days to the World Cup: DR Congo returns to the tournament 52 years after their infamous free kick

The Democratic Republic of Congo is back in the World Cup for the first time since 1974, breaking a 52-year drought. But the last time that DR Congo played, back when the country competed as Zaire, a defender’s surprising time-wasting method quickly went down in the tournament’s lore.

After a 2-0 loss to Scotland and a stunning 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia, Zaire ended the group stage with a game against Brazil. The players had been told by Zaire president Mobutu Sese Seko that they should not return home if they lose by four or more goals — setting high stakes in a game that Brazil was heavily favored to win.

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With Brazil up 3-0, a foul just outside the box gave the Brazilians a very dangerous free kick in the 85th minute. But before Brazil had a chance to get the kick, defender Joseph Mwepu Ilunga sprinted forward and kicked the ball away, promptly earning a yellow card from the referee for time-wasting.

Mwepu later clarified that he was very aware of the rules, and that he was expecting to be cautioned or even sent off as a result of the kick.

But the method worked: Zaire was able to hold the score for the rest of the game. Brazil took home the 3-0 win, and Zaire was able to stick to their president’s wishes.

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Now, DR Congo will attempt to make another splash in 2026, competing in Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.