DR CONGO · WORLD CUP

A goal down at the break, the Leopards roared back with three second-half goals to reach uncharted territory: the World Cup knockout rounds.

World Cup 2026 DR Congo make history

DR Congo came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta and reach the round of 32. It is the first time the Leopards have made the World Cup knockout stage.

Yoane Wissa was the star with two goals, including a stoppage-time strike. Fiston Mayele also scored as DR Congo overturned an early deficit.

It was a performance of character against a stubborn Uzbekistan side. The Leopards refused to let their chance slip.

The win lifted them to third in Group K and through as one of the best third-placed teams. Uzbekistan, who led early, were eliminated.

It was a night of pure drama in Atlanta. DR Congo’s bench and fans erupted at the final whistle.

A second-half turnaround

Eldor Shomurodov put Uzbekistan ahead inside the opening ten minutes. The early goal threatened to derail DR Congo’s hopes.

Wissa levelled from the penalty spot just after the hour. Mayele then turned the game around with a goal on 78 minutes.

The equaliser settled Congolese nerves and shifted the momentum. Suddenly it was Uzbekistan chasing the game.

Wissa wrapped it up in stoppage time to seal a famous win. The Leopards held their nerve when it mattered most.

The three goals arrived in a frantic second-half spell. Uzbekistan had no answer once the momentum shifted.

Decades in the making

DR Congo, then Zaire, made their only previous World Cup appearance back in 1974. That campaign ended without a point at the group stage.

More than half a century later, this generation has gone further than any before it. Reaching the knockout rounds is a landmark for Congolese football.

The achievement caps years of steady progress for the Leopards. A talented squad has finally delivered on the biggest stage.

The numbers behind the win

According to FIFA’s official match centre, DR Congo finished third in Group K on four points. That was enough to claim one of the eight best third-placed berths.

By The Rio Times’ reading, the comeback says much about their resilience. Three goals after falling behind is the mark of a team that believes.

They needed a win to have any chance of progressing, and they found one. The pressure of the situation never overwhelmed them.

Wissa’s brace made him the hero on a historic night. His composure from the spot and in stoppage time proved decisive.

Mayele’s goal, the one that turned the game, was just as important. It swung a contest that had been slipping away.

What comes next

DR Congo now face England in the round of 32. It is a daunting tie against one of the tournament favourites.

The Leopards will travel into that game with nothing to lose. Simply reaching this stage is already a triumph.

Anything beyond the last 32 would be uncharted territory entirely. For now, the players can enjoy a landmark moment.

That freedom could make them awkward opponents for England. Knockout football has a habit of springing surprises.

Why it matters

DR Congo’s run adds to a remarkable World Cup for African football. A record number of the continent’s teams have reached the last 32.

From Morocco to Senegal to the Leopards, the continent is thriving. DR Congo are proud to be part of that wave.

For a nation that has known hardship, the achievement carries deep meaning. It will be celebrated far beyond the football pitch.

Football has long been a source of unity and pride in the country. This run will resonate across the Congo and its diaspora.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score in World Cup 2026 DR Congo vs Uzbekistan?

DR Congo won 3-1 in Atlanta. They came from behind with three second-half goals.

Who scored for DR Congo?

Yoane Wissa scored twice and Fiston Mayele added the other goal. Wissa’s second came in stoppage time.

Why is this historic for DR Congo?

It is their first ever World Cup knockout appearance. Their only previous finals, as Zaire in 1974, ended in the group stage.

How did DR Congo qualify?

They finished third in Group K on four points, enough to be one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Who do DR Congo play next?

DR Congo face England in the round of 32. It is a major test against a leading side.