DR Congo defeats Uzbekistan 3-1, reaches first World Cup knockout stage
The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a historic 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan in Atlanta, advancing to the World Cup Round of 32 for the first time. Yoane Wissa scored twice, with Fiston Mayele also netting, after Eldor Shomurodov gave Uzbekistan an early lead. The win sparked massive celebrations in Kinshasa amid ongoing civil war. DR Congo will face England next, while Uzbekistan exits its first World Cup without a point.
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2026 World Cup: Yoane Wissa Carries DR Congo to Historic Round of 16
This article from Foot Mercato, published on July 1, 2026, reports on the Democratic Republic of Congo's historic qualification for the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Leopards, playing in their second World Cup, advanced after a dramatic 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan in Group K. Striker Yoane Wissa, who plays for Newcastle United, emerged as the hero, scoring a brace in the decisive match (a penalty in the 68th minute and a stoppage-time goal). Wissa now has three goals in the tournament, placing him among only four African players to score at least three goals in a single World Cup. The article highlights Wissa's difficult club season, including a €63 million transfer to Newcastle and a prolonged knee injury that limited his playing time. DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre praised Wissa's resilience. The team will face England in the historic knockout match, the first time DR Congo has reached this stage in a World Cup.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertYoane Wissa's nightmare season has given way to a dream World Cup. Next up, England.
Yoane Wissa, DR Congo national hero, leads his team against England in the 2026 World Cup round of 32. After a disappointing season at Newcastle United (1 goal in 19 league appearances), Wissa has scored three times for DR Congo, including a decisive stoppage-time goal against Uzbekistan to secure group stage advancement. Wissa, who survived an acid attack in 2021, paid tribute to fans affected by war in East Congo, saying 'we write our story with a black pen and we need to be proud.' This is only DR Congo's second World Cup appearance (first in 1974 as Zaire). Wissa's club future remains uncertain as Newcastle explored selling him, but the tournament has restored his reputation.
Soccer - The AthleticYoane Wissa's nightmare season has given way to a dream World Cup. Next up, England.
The article examines Yoane Wissa's remarkable turnaround from a difficult club season at Newcastle United to becoming a national hero for DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup. After scoring only once in 28 appearances for Newcastle, Wissa has scored three goals for DR Congo, including a decisive stoppage-time strike against Uzbekistan to secure qualification. The 29-year-old striker, who survived an acid attack in 2021, now leads his country against England in the round of 32. He paid emotional tribute to fans suffering from war in East Congo, stating his team writes their story 'with a black pen.' His club future at Newcastle, where he cost £55m, remains uncertain after a season marred by injury and lack of playing time.
Soccer - The AthleticYoane Wissa's nightmare season has given way to a dream World Cup. Next up, England.
Yoane Wissa, a forward for the Democratic Republic of Congo, has transformed a difficult club season at Newcastle United into a standout performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After scoring only three goals in 28 appearances for Newcastle, Wissa has matched that tally in the tournament, including a crucial equalizer against Portugal and a decisive goal against Uzbekistan to secure DR Congo's place in the round of 32. The 29-year-old, who survived an acid attack in 2021, is now preparing to face England. He dedicated his performances to the people of DR Congo, referencing the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country. The article highlights his personal resilience and the contrast between his club struggles and international success.
Soccer - The Athletic2026 World Cup: DR Congo Celebrates Historic Round of 16 Qualification Amid Civil War
On June 28, 2026, the Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team, the Leopards, achieved a historic milestone by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta to advance past the World Cup group stage for the first time in 52 years. The qualification, which came 52 years after Zaire's only previous appearance in 1974, sparked immense celebrations in Kinshasa, where thousands of fans took to the streets late at night with dancing, fireworks, and honking horns. The team, captained by Chancel Mbemba, will face England in the round of 16. The victory provided a rare moment of joy for Congolese people enduring a civil war, particularly in the eastern part of the country. Player Yoane Wissa, who scored two goals, dedicated the win to war victims, stating that the team aims to promote peace and unity. The match also highlighted the absence of emblematic fan 'Lumumba Vea,' who was denied a US visa.
Home Football - actualitésDR Congo Coach Dussabre Praises Wissa and Team Resilience After World Cup Advancement
The Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in the World Cup group stage, advancing to the Round of 32 where they will face England in the Round of 16. Coach Dussabre praised his team's resilience after conceding an early goal, noting their fighting spirit and tactical adjustments. He highlighted Yoane Wissa's decisive brace, describing his difficult season at Newcastle due to injury and transfer challenges, and expressed happiness for his return to form. Dussabre also reflected on reaching both goals of qualifying for AFCON and the World Cup, crediting systematic teamwork over four years. He noted pride in African teams' strong performance and emphasized the team's readiness for the knockout stage against England, acknowledging their underdog status but confidence from having Premier League players.
虎扑 - 足球Late surge lifts DR Congo past Uzbekistan, into knockout stage
Yoane Wissa scored a brace in the second half as the Democratic Republic of the Congo rallied for a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan on Saturday in Atlanta. The win delivered the Leopards into the knockout round for the first time in World Cup history. Fiston Mayele also scored as DR Congo (1-1-1, 4 points) scored three goals in 23 minutes after trailing for much of the match. Uzbekistan (0-0-3, 0 points) took an early lead via Eldor Shomurodov but were eliminated. DR Congo will face Group L winner England in the round of 32. The match marked DR Congo's first World Cup appearance since 1974 (as Zaire), and Uzbekistan's first World Cup overall.
Yardbarker: SoccerDR Congo set up last-32 meeting with England after comeback win over Uzbekistan
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) secured their first-ever World Cup victory and qualification to the last-32 by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta. Eldor Shomurodov opened the scoring for Uzbekistan with a lob, but Yoane Wissa equalized from a penalty after a VAR review disallowed an earlier DRC goal. Fiston Mayele put DRC ahead minutes later, and Wissa sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike. DRC will now face England in the knockout stage. Coach Sébastien Desabre highlighted the contributions of players from English clubs. Uzbekistan, despite taking the lead, were eliminated after their first World Cup appearance. The match continued a strong showing for African teams in the tournament.
Football | The GuardianDR Congo defeat Uzbekistan 3-1, qualify for last-32 meeting with England
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta, securing their first ever World Cup victory and qualification to the last 32. Uzbekistan took an early lead through Eldor Shomurodov's lob, and the DRC had a goal disallowed by VAR. Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa equalized from the penalty spot, then Fiston Mayele put the DRC ahead. Wissa sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike, his third goal of the tournament. The DRC will face England in the next round. DRC coach Sébastien Desabre praised the team and noted several squad members play in English leagues. Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro lamented his team's elimination despite their first World Cup appearance.
Football | The GuardianWissa Leads Congo to Historic World Cup Round of 32 with 3-1 Win Over Uzbekistan
Yoane Wissa, Newcastle forward, scored twice to lead the Democratic Republic of Congo to a historic 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With this win, Congo qualifies for the knockout stage (Round of 32) for the first time in their history. The match began with Uzbekistan taking an early lead through Eldor Shomurodov's lobbed goal in the 10th minute, after a disallowed goal at 24 seconds. Congo equalized and took control in the second half, with Wissa scoring a penalty and Fiston Mayele adding a cheeky goal. Wissa sealed the win with a powerful strike in stoppage time. Congo finished the group stage with four points after a draw against Portugal and will now face England in the knockout round. Uzbekistan exits the tournament with zero points.
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