U.S.A June 28, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo wrote a remarkable new chapter in their football history on Saturday, coming from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and book a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 for the first time ever. Inspired by a brilliant second-half display and a brace from Yoane Wissa, the Leopards overturned an early deficit to secure their maiden World Cup victory and continue one of Africa's most inspiring campaigns at the 2026 tournament.
The victory was particularly significant for a nation making only its second appearance at a FIFA World Cup, and its first since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire. Back then, the Congolese endured one of the most difficult campaigns in World Cup history, losing all three group matches without scoring a goal. Fifty-two years later, they have finally erased those painful memories by advancing to the knockout stages for the first time.
Heading into their final Group K fixture in Atlanta, DR Congo knew victory was essential. After opening their campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against Portugal before narrowly losing 1-0 to Colombia, Sébastien Desabre's side entered the final match on one point, while tournament debutants Uzbekistan had already suffered defeats to both Colombia and Portugal.
Despite dominating possession in the opening exchanges, DR Congo were stunned after just ten minutes.
Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball before showing outstanding composure to delicately lob goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, giving the Central Asian side a surprise 1-0 lead. It was a cruel blow for the Leopards, who had started brightly and even thought they had equalised later in the half, only for VAR to disallow the goal after an infringement in the build-up.
The setback could easily have derailed DR Congo's hopes, but instead it sparked a determined response.
Desabre's halftime team talk appeared to transform his players. The Leopards returned after the break with greater urgency, moving the ball quicker and pinning Uzbekistan deep inside their own half. Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 68th minute when VAR awarded DR Congo a penalty after a foul inside the box.
Yoane Wissa stepped forward and calmly converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the score at 1-1. It was the Brentford forward's second goal of the tournament following his strike against Portugal earlier in the group stage and injected fresh belief into the African side.
With momentum firmly on their side, DR Congo continued to press for the winner.
Their breakthrough arrived 10 minutes later through substitute Fiston Mayele. The striker produced an instinctive finish from close range after clever build-up play inside the penalty area, completing the turnaround and sending the Congolese supporters into wild celebrations. It was a goal that reflected the team's relentless attacking intent throughout the second half.