Members of the Congolese diaspora across Yorkshire are preparing for a historic sports milestone on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, as the Democratic Republic of Congo faces England in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup.
The match marks the first time in history that the Democratic Republic of Congo has advanced to the knockout rounds of the tournament, following their last appearance 52 years ago in 1974 under the name Zaire.
According to the BBC, the United Kingdom is home to approximately 30,000 Congolese nationals, with notable expat populations residing in Leeds and Sheffield.
Jacques Kalenga, a retired resident who moved to England in 1999 and works for the Tosalisana Congolese Community of Sheffield charity, expressed the significance of the upcoming fixture for the diaspora community.
"It is an honour for us to play England and the team have to expect something so we never know, [but] England is a big team, so we hope to surprise them," said Kalenga.
The Sheffield Hallam University graduate noted that the national team's modern football program has seen growing success, with 20 players on the current squad born outside of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, Kalenga admitted that the matchup between his birth country and his adopted home creates mixed emotions.
"I support both England and the DRC, but I hope for a good match and that the stronger team wins.
I will be pleased with either winning," said Kalenga.
Kalenga, who originally relocated to England from Lubumbashi after his wife secured a nursing job, has been tracking the tournament group stages from a pub in the Gleadless area of Sheffield.
He also expressed hope that the match would strengthen Congolese identity and community relations within England.
"I've done my best to be involved in the community nationwide, with the Congolese diaspora in the UK, but I'm retired now so I'm old," said Kalenga.
In Leeds, Daniel Pokas, the owner of the La Katangaise Cuisine restaurant in the Harehills neighborhood, is preparing to broadcast the fixture for customers and voiced full confidence in the squad.
"We're going to win 100%, we're playing well," said Pokas.
Pokas, who arrived in England in 2004, highlighted team captain Chancel Mbemba and Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa as his preferred players on the current roster.
"I trust all my players, and to be honest with you - there are no bad spots in their play," said Pokas.
The restaurant owner, whose establishment is named after the national anthem of the historic state of Katanga, remains optimistic about a deeper tournament run following the team's group stage performances.
"When we play in the World Cup, we lose, but after 52 years we're back again," said Pokas.
Pokas stated that he envisions the Democratic Republic of Congo winning the tournament title in July, pointing to the team's ability to defy external expectations.
"Wissa, this guy is going to be famous and if I had a newborn son, I would name him Wissa!"
said Pokas.
The Leeds business owner reiterated that the squad has already proven its capability against top-tier international opponents during the group stage.
"No-one expected us to get a draw against Portugal because they are a strong team," said Pokas.
The Democratic Republic of Congo team enters the match looking to cause another major tournament upset following their recent performances.
"We are going to surprise people, even with England!" said Pokas.
