ATLANTA — DR Congo etched their name into the history books on Saturday night, securing their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory and, with it, a maiden appearance in the knockout stages. A thrilling 3-1 comeback win against Uzbekistan at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta ensured the Leopards progressed as one of the best third-placed teams from Group K.
The occasion was marked by high tension, particularly after Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov silenced the DR Congo supporters by lobbing goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau in the 10th minute to give his side an early lead. The Leopards appeared unsettled for much of the first half, and a potential equalizer from Nathanaël Mbuku was ruled out following a VAR intervention for a foul in the build-up.
History: DR Congo’s First WC Win + Wissa Brace
• Result: DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan, qualify as best 3rd
• Goals: Shomurodov 10' for UZB. Wissa pen 68', 90+3', Mayele 78'
• Record: First WC win ever. First R32 as Zaire/DR Congo since 1974
• Next: DR Congo vs England, Atlanta Stadium, July 1, 2026
Read Also: DR Congo Stuns Portugal with Historic 1-1 Draw in 2026 World Cup Opener
However, the second half saw a revitalized DR Congo emerge from the tunnel with renewed intensity. The breakthrough arrived in the 68th minute when Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa was brought down in the box by Abdukodir Khusanov. Wissa coolly dispatched the resulting penalty to level the score, providing the catalyst for a dominant finish.
The momentum remained firmly with the African side, who took the lead in the 78th minute when substitute Fiston Mayele deftly touched home a deflected strike from Meschack Elia. Wissa secured the victory and his brace in stoppage time with a clinical finish from the edge of the box, sparking jubilant celebrations among the players and the thousands of Congolese fans in attendance.
For DR Congo, the result represents a monumental achievement, erasing the memories of their only previous appearance in 1974 (as Zaire). Head coach Sébastien Desabre praised his side’s resilience, noting their ability to fight back after conceding.
With the group stage concluded, DR Congo now faces a high-stakes Round of 32 encounter against England.The match is scheduled to take place at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Uzbekistan departs the tournament having finished bottom of Group K, though they leave with the experience of their first-ever World Cup campaign.
