DR Congo gifts local soccer players with posh cars for World Cup 2026 … Tragedy is likely to follow

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo is gifting each national team player a new car for qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, marking the DRC's first appearance at the event in 52 years. This tradition dates back to the days of former Zaire, where dictator Mobutu Sese Seko also gifted cars to players, often leading to tragic outcomes. In 1974, the team, then known as the Leopards, faced a difficult journey despite lavish promises of rewards.