By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Loading article content...
Loading article content...
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.
More from Kenya
There was still time for Wissa to put the result beyond doubt.
Deep into stoppage time, the striker burst clear before calmly finishing past the advancing goalkeeper to complete his brace and seal an unforgettable 3-1 victory. The goal capped a magnificent individual performance and ensured there would be no late drama as DR Congo celebrated one of the greatest nights in the nation's football history.
The statistics reflected DR Congo's dominance after the interval. Having trailed at the break, the Leopards controlled possession, created the better chances and completely overwhelmed an Uzbekistan side that struggled to cope with the intensity of the African team's attacking football. Their persistence was fully rewarded with three unanswered second-half goals.
The victory means DR Congo finish third in Group K with four points, behind group winners Colombia and runners-up Portugal. Thanks to the expanded 48-team World Cup format, that tally was enough to secure one of the tournament's eight best third-placed qualification spots and extend their historic journey.
For Uzbekistan, the defeat brought a disappointing end to what had been a memorable campaign simply to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. Although they showed flashes of quality throughout the tournament, they leave without a point after defeats to Colombia, Portugal and DR Congo. Shomurodov's early goal briefly raised hopes of a famous victory, but they were ultimately overwhelmed by DR Congo's second-half resurgence.
DR Congo's qualification is also another landmark moment for African football. They become the latest African nation to reach the knockout stage, joining an impressive list of continental representatives who have thrived at the expanded World Cup. Their progress is a testament to the steady development of the national team under Sébastien Desabre and the growing influence of players competing in Europe's top leagues.
Awaiting the Leopards in the Round of 32 is a daunting clash with Group L winners England in Atlanta. While the Three Lions will start as favourites, DR Congo have already shown throughout the tournament that they are capable of competing with elite opposition. They held Portugal to a draw, pushed Colombia all the way, and demonstrated remarkable resilience to overturn a deficit against Uzbekistan when everything was on the line.
Regardless of what happens next, DR Congo have already achieved something extraordinary. After more than half a century away from football's biggest stage, the Leopards have not only returned—they have made history. Their first-ever World Cup victory has delivered their first-ever place in the knockout rounds, a moment that will be remembered for generations and one that has given an entire nation every reason to dream even bigger.