DR Congo secure first FIFA World Cup win in 52 years, reach knockouts
Synopsis
DR Congo have waited 52 years for this moment — and they made it count. A three-goal comeback against Uzbekistan in Atlanta sent the Central African nation into the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockouts for the first time in their history, with Yoane Wissa and Fiston Mayele doing the damage. England await in the Round of 32 on 1 July.
Key Takeaways
DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 on 28 June at Atlanta Stadium to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockouts.
It is Congo DR's first World Cup win in 52 years — their only previous appearance was in 1974 , when they competed as Zaire .
Yoane Wissa scored a brace (penalty in the 68th minute and a late strike) while Fiston Mayele netted the go-ahead goal.
Eldor Shomurodov had given Uzbekistan the lead in the 10th minute ; they exit the tournament bottom of Group K .
Congo DR will face England in the Round of 32 in Atlanta on 1 July .
DR Congo scripted history at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on 28 June, claiming their first-ever World Cup victory — 52 years after their sole previous appearance — and advancing to the knockout rounds for the first time. A stunning comeback 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in Atlanta sealed the milestone, with the Central African nation joining Colombia and Portugal from Group K in the Round of 32.
How the Game Unfolded
Uzbekistan came out with intent after back-to-back defeats, and nearly took the lead after just 20 seconds when Eldor Shomurodov's effort was ruled out for offside. The striker did not have to wait long, however — he broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, looping a delicious finish from a tight angle to put Uzbekistan ahead, with his 31st birthday just days away.
Congo DR had a goal of their own disallowed in the 17th minute, when Nathanael Mbuku's precise strike was chalked off for a foul in the build-up. Shomurodov came close to doubling the lead in the 51st minute, but his delicate attempt dropped onto the roof of the net.
The Comeback: Wissa and Mayele Deliver
Congo DR steadily increased their pressure, and Yoane Wissa drew them level from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. Ten minutes later, a pair of substitutes combined to produce the decisive moment — Meschack Elia's shot was deflected into the path of Fiston Mayele, who dinked the loose ball over goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov to put Congo DR ahead.
Wissa then sealed the win with an excellent finish from the edge of the box deep in injury time, completing his brace and confirming Congo DR's place in the knockouts as one of the best third-place finishers.
Historic Context: 52 Years in the Making
Congo DR's only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974, when the nation — then known as Zaire — became the first sub-Saharan African country ever to qualify for the tournament. That campaign ended without a win. This victory, more than five decades later, rewrites that chapter entirely.
Notably, Uzbekistan finished bottom of Group K and are heading home after failing to win any of their three matches in their debut World Cup campaign.
What Comes Next
Congo DR will face England in the Round of 32 in Atlanta on 1 July. It will be a formidable test for the historic qualifiers, but one that arrives on the back of a performance that demonstrated both resilience and attacking quality.
Point of View
Which showed genuine character in coming from behind against a disciplined Uzbekistan side, can carry that momentum into a Round of 32 clash with England. The draw is brutal, but so was the weight of history they have already lifted.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did DR Congo last play at the FIFA World Cup before 2026?
DR Congo's only previous World Cup appearance was in 1974 , when the nation competed under the name Zaire and became the first sub-Saharan African country to qualify for the tournament. They did not win a match in that campaign.
Who scored for DR Congo against Uzbekistan?
Yoane Wissa scored twice — converting a penalty in the 68th minute and adding a second in injury time — while Fiston Mayele netted the go-ahead goal in the 78th minute to complete the 3-1 comeback win.
Who scored for Uzbekistan in the match?
Eldor Shomurodov gave Uzbekistan the lead in the 10th minute with a finish from a tight angle. His earlier effort after just 20 seconds was ruled out for offside.
Who will DR Congo face in the Round of 32?
DR Congo will play England in the Round of 32 in Atlanta on 1 July 2026 , having advanced as one of the best third-place finishers in the group stage.
How did DR Congo qualify for the knockouts from Group K?
DR Congo finished third in Group K but advanced as one of the best third-place finishers. Colombia and Portugal , who drew 0-0 in Miami, finished above them; Uzbekistan finished bottom and were eliminated.
