DR Congo's Tuanzebe: I'm not a politician but we can change the world with football

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s imminent return to the World Cup after decades of absence is more than a sporting milestone—it is a cultural and political moment with profound implications for a nation grappling with conflict, identity, and global recognition. In a country where football often transcends the pitch, serving as a unifying force amid decades of instability, the team’s qualification arrives at a time when the government is struggling to project stability and international relevance. The war in the eastern regions, combined with chronic underdevelopment and corruption, has left the nation’s image marred by violence and humanitarian crises. Against this backdrop, the national team’s success offers a fleeting yet powerful counter-narrative: one where skill, discipline, and collective effort can momentarily eclipse the chaos outside stadiums. Football in Congo has long been intertwined with politics, both as a tool of soft power and a reflection of societal tensions. Mobutu Sese Seko, the country’s longtime dictator, famously used the national team to project prestige in the 1970s, while later regimes leaned on sporting victories to distract from economic failures. Today, the team’s players—many of whom play professionally across Europe—are seen by many Congolese as ambassadors of hope, even if they themselves downplay any political role. Their presence at the World Cup could reignite national pride, but it also raises questions about what happens when the tournament ends. Will the euphoria translate into tangible support for grassroots football development, or will it fade as quickly as the temporary distraction it provides? For DR Congo, the World Cup represents more than a sporting opportunity—it is a chance to reclaim a place on the global stage on terms not defined by war or corruption. Yet the risks are real. If the team underperforms, it could deepen frustration among a population already skeptical of institutions. Conversely, a strong showing might embolden calls for investment in youth academies and infrastructure, areas long neglected. The broader trend here mirrors that of other African nations leveraging football to reshape their global image, from Morocco’s recent World Cup run to Senegal’s historic triumph. But in Congo, where football is woven into the fabric of society, the stakes feel uniquely high. The world will watch—not just to see goals scored, but to gauge whether sport can offer even a fraction of the change the nation desperately needs.