Congo's Stylish Arrival at 2026 World Cup Captivates Fans

The Congolese delegation arrived in Houston for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having not yet played a match but already making a fashion statement. Their outfits, designed by 30-year-old self-taught designer Alvin Junior Mak, included black silk crepe suits with leopard print lapel collars and custom leopard print travel bags.

This design choice reflects the team's nickname, "Leopards," and symbolizes power and resilience in Congolese culture. Mak, who is based in Paris and has fewer than 10,000 Instagram followers, proposed the project to Congo's Ministry of Sport, emphasizing the need for economic, social, and cultural significance.

The delegation wore 55 suits and bags made by local artisans, paying tribute to the 1974 team that first qualified for the World Cup. The outfits have drawn global attention, with inquiries flooding in from around the world, including Taiwan.

Mak expressed pride in representing Congolese heritage on a global stage.