In 1974, the national team played at the World Cup in West Germany as Zaire, as the DRC had been renamed by then president Mobutu Sese Seko.
The players were the first sub-Saharan African team to participate in aWorld Cup.
Once there, the accolade counted for nothing. Scotland beat them 2-0 in the opener in Dortmund. And they lost 9-0 to Yugoslavia and 3-0 to Brazil to depart after the group stages.
More than 50 years after that appearance, French coachSbastien Desabrewill lead a squad to the most prestigious international tournament.
"Were incredibly proud for a whole generation who havent been able to see their national team at the World Cup and who are finally going to see them there," Desabre said after their qualification campaign.
"Its been 50 years so its important. And were very proud to show a good image of the DRC because the country deserves it."
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'Sense of responsibility'
DRCtook the long way to book its ticket. Last October, they finished behind Senegal in Group B of the African qualifiers and advanced as one of the best runners-up to a four-team African playoff for a slot in the inter-confederation playoffs.
At the African playoffs in November in Morocco,Chancel Mbembascored as DRC beat Cameroon 1-0 to set up a final with Nigeria.
The match finished 1-1 after extra time and DRC won the penalty shootout to move into the inter-confederation playoff in Guadalajara in March, where Axel Tuanzebe scored in extra time to see off Jamaica.
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DRC will start theirGroup K campaignagainstPortugalin Houston on 17 June. Six days later, they face Colombia in Guadalajara. They finish against debutants Uzbekistan in Atlanta on 27 June.
Mbemba will skipper the squad at the tournament.
"It has not been simple, but we showed resilience to reach our goal," Desabre toldFifa's websiteafter announcing his 26-man squad.
"Theres also a strong sense of responsibility to make a good showing of ourselves and of our country. Thanks to our Congolese fans who followed us all through our campaign. We will give our all to make everybody proud and show the best image of the DRC."
Originally published on RFI
