DR Congo secures first World Cup point with 1-1 draw

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team made history on June 17, securing its first-ever World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Portugal in Houston, Texas. The result marked a triumphant return to the tournament after a 52-year absence, a moment celebrated by a passionate diaspora and symbolized by a striking team wardrobe designed by Congolese fashion designer Alvin Mak.

Yoane Wissa scored the equalizing goal for DR Congo in first-half stoppage time, canceling out an early opener from Portugal’s João Neves. The match, played at NRG Stadium, saw the underdog Congolese side defend resolutely in the second half to earn the draw against a heavily favored Portuguese team. The nation’s only previous World Cup appearance was in 1974, when it competed as Zaire and failed to earn a point.

The team’s arrival in the United States had already captured global attention. Last week, players and staff disembarked in Houston wearing sharply tailored black suits adorned with silver leopard brooches and animal-print paneling, a collection designed by Mak. The 30-year-old, Paris-based designer created 55 pieces for the delegation, a project that enlisted artisans in Congo. The...