DR Congo made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after fighting back to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secure a place in the the knockout stage for the first time ever.
The dramatic comeback victory ensured the Leopards finished third in Group K with four points, enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Their reward is a blockbuster Round of 32 clash against England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
DR Congo’s historic qualification also means that eight African nations have now reached the knockout stages of the tournament, underlining the continent’s impressive showing at the World Cup.
The Central Africans endured a difficult start against Uzbekistan, falling behind after a defensive misunderstanding between Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka allowed Eldor Shomurodov to lift the ball over the goalkeeper and give the Asians the lead.
Uzbekistan dominated much of the first half and looked set to record their first victory of the tournament. However, DR Congo remained dangerous on the counterattack and were unfortunate to see a goal ruled out before the break.
Knowing that their World Cup hopes were slipping away, the Leopards emerged for the second half with renewed determination and intensity.
Their comeback began when Yoane Wissa won a penalty after being fouled inside the area by Abdukodir Khusanov. The Newcastle United forward stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to level the scores.
With momentum now firmly on their side, DR Congo completed the turnaround through Fiston Mayele, who reacted quickest to a deflected effort from Meschack Elia to score from close range.
Wissa then put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time with a superb finish from outside the penalty area, sparking wild celebrations among the DR Congo players and supporters.
The victory secured a historic milestone for the Leopards and added to Africa’s growing success story at the tournament, with South Africa, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Egypt and DR Congo all reaching the Round of 32.
DR Congo will now turn their attention to one of the biggest matches in their football history when they face England, with a place in the World Cup last 16 at stake.
