DR Congo faces England in the Round of 32, while Norway celebrates a victory and Mexico mourns fan deaths

The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to face England in the World Cup, with their president Félix Tshisekedi offering words of encouragement. DR Congo's previous World Cup appearance was in 1974, when they were named Zaire. Norway fans celebrated their victory over Côte d'Ivoire, while Mexico is mourning the deaths of three fans during celebrations after their win over Ecuador.

DR Congo's History

DR Congo's previous World Cup appearance was in 1974, when they were named Zaire and faced Scotland, Yugoslavia, and Brazil. The team had twice been Afcon winners in the previous six years but were beset with political issues caused by threatening behavior from Zaire's president Mobutu Sese Seko. One notable incident during their campaign was Mwepu Ilunga rushing out from the wall to lash away a Brazilian free-kick before it had been taken, as the team was under threat of being exiled if they lost more than 3-0 to Brazil.

Norway Celebrates

Norway fans celebrated their victory over Côte d'Ivoire, staging a mass celebratory Viking 'row' near the royal palace in Oslo. However, the celebrations were marred by reports of fans uprooting plants and tearing down fence posts near the palace, and transit authorities had to take metro carriages out of service for repairs after fans tore down advertisements and dented carriage ceilings.

Mexico Mourns

Mexico is mourning the deaths of three fans during celebrations after their win over Ecuador. The official death toll rose to three, with the deaths occurring near the Angel of Independence landmark. Mayor Clara Brugada expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and urged everyone to 'always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy'.