Congo DR land in Houston in style, 52-year World Cup wait ends

52 years later, Congo DR are back at the World Cup

Your team has landed. Congo DR touched down in Houston on Thursday, and they did it in style. The delegation arrived in leopard-themed suits that lit up social media before the plane doors even closed. Cédric Bakambu, Matthieu Epolo, Samuel Moutoussamy, Steve Kapuadi, and Charles Pickel were all spotted stepping off the plane to a hero's welcome (2) (3).

The wait is over. For the first time since 1974, Congo DR are at a men's World Cup. The bookmakers have them at 1000/1, drawn into Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. That is the longest odds in the field, but nobody in Houston cares about the betting slip (1).

Fans greet the team at Houston airport

It was a party at arrivals. A crowd of Congo DR supporters gathered to welcome the squad with drums, flags, and chants. Bakambu, the team's talisman, was front and centre as fans swarmed to show their support (3).

Portugal opener set for Wednesday

The first test is real. Congo DR face Portugal in their Group K opener on Wednesday in Houston. No warm-up friendly, no easing in, straight into a match against one of Europe's heavyweights. The city of Houston, already buzzing from the team's arrival, will be the stage (2) (3).

Fan reactions

The leopard suits are the talk of social media. Fans are calling it one of the best arrivals of the tournament so far, a blend of swagger and cultural pride that has the Congo DR delegation trending worldwide. The mood is electric, and after half a century away, supporters are making every moment count. See the arrival footage here