Wissa Brace Fires DR Congo to Historic World Cup Last 32 with 3-1 Win Over Uzbekistan
DR Congo wrote their name into World Cup history after coming from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and reach the knockout stage for the first time ever. Yoane Wissa scored twice, including a penalty, as the Leopards secured a Round of 32 date with England in Atlanta.
Uzbekistan struck first in the 10th minute through Eldor Shomurodov, but Congo responded with composure. Wissa levelled from the spot in the 68th minute after DR Congo were awarded a penalty. Fiston Mayele then put the Leopards ahead 10 minutes later, before Wissa sealed the victory in the 91st minute to complete his brace.
The win takes DR Congo into the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 for the first time in the nation’s history, making them the 11th African country to win a match at the tournament and the 8th to reach the knockout phase. They join Morocco, Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt on the continent’s list of World Cup winners.
Wissa is already a DR Congo legend at this tournament. The Newcastle forward scored the Leopards’ first-ever World Cup goal against Portugal, and his penalty against Uzbekistan was the second. He also became the first Newcastle player to score a World Cup penalty since Craig Moore for Australia in 2006.
🐆 “Extraordinary” Leopards
Head coach Sébastien Desabre hailed his squad after the historic qualification. The Frenchman described his players as “extraordinary” and the main architects of the achievement, praising their character, resilience after conceding, and self-sacrifice across the group stage.
Desabre said the more attacking approach in the final match was part of a strategy built across all three group games, with squad rotation and rested players key to finishing strong. He ended by expressing pride in his players, staff, and the entire Congolese people.
