DR Congo's Wissa Scores Historic First World Cup Goal in Portugal Draw
In a 2026 World Cup group stage match on June 18, the Democratic Republic of Congo drew 1-1 with Portugal, earning their first-ever World Cup point and goal. Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa scored the historic header, becoming the first Premier League player since Tim Cahill (2006) to score a national team's debut World Cup goal. Wissa's achievement is especially remarkable given he survived a 2021 acid attack in France that nearly cost him his sight. The result marks a milestone for DR Congo, which previously competed as Zaire in 1974 without scoring.
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DR Congo's Historic World Cup Night: Fire, Flair and Joy in Houston
In a historic World Cup night in Houston, DR Congo earned their first-ever point in the tournament by holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw. Yoane Wissa scored DR Congo's first World Cup goal in 52 years, sparking a choreographed 'fimbu' celebration with teammates. The match marked a cathartic moment for the nation formerly known as Zaire, which had last appeared in 1974 and was infamous for Mwepu Ilunga's bizarre free-kick incident against Brazil. Despite trailing heavily in possession (75.4% to 24.6%), DR Congo's defense held firm, and the few Congolese fans in attendance created an electric atmosphere. The result followed Curacao's emotional but heavy loss to Germany days earlier, adding to Houston's underdog World Cup magic.
Soccer - The AthleticDR Congo's Historic World Cup Draw Against Portugal Brings Joy and Fimbu Celebration
In a historic night at NRG Stadium in Houston, DR Congo earned its first-ever World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Portugal. Yoane Wissa scored the country's first World Cup goal in 52 years, heading in an equalizer and triggering a choreographed fimbu dance celebration with teammates. The Congolese fans, though outnumbered, were exuberant. The result was no fluke: despite trailing heavily in possession (75.4% to 24.6%), DR Congo had more shots on target and a higher xG. The match provided catharsis for a nation formerly known as Zaire, whose last World Cup appearance in 1974 was marred by the infamous Mwepu Ilunga free-kick incident. The article highlights the underdog magic in Houston, where Curacao also scored its first World Cup goal days earlier.
Soccer - The AthleticYoane Wissa, DR Congo Hero, Survived Acid Attack Before Scoring Historic World Cup Goal
Yoane Wissa, a 29-year-old forward for Newcastle United, made history by scoring the first-ever World Cup goal for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, securing a 1-1 draw against Portugal in Group K. The article highlights Wissa's resilience, detailing a 2021 acid attack at his home in France by a woman claiming to hear voices, who was later sentenced to 20 years in prison. Wissa suffered severe eye injuries but recovered fully after surgery. Despite a challenging season with Newcastle, where he scored only three goals in 28 matches, Wissa's perseverance is underscored by his historic achievement on the global stage.
FútbolIberian Giants Draw with African Underdogs in World Cup Openers
In a surprising turn of events during the World Cup group stage, both Iberian football powers, Portugal and Spain, failed to secure victories against African opponents in their opening matches. On June 18, Portugal drew 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo, a result that allowed Congo to earn their first-ever World Cup goal and point in history. The previous day, Spain was held to a 0-0 stalemate by Cape Verde, who also secured their first-ever World Cup point. The results highlight the growing competitiveness of African teams on the global stage and mark historic milestones for both Congo and Cape Verde in their World Cup debuts or early appearances.
虎扑 - 足球DR Congo Earns First World Cup Point in History with 1-1 Draw Against Portugal
In a World Cup group stage match on June 18, the Democratic Republic of Congo drew 1-1 with Portugal, marking a historic achievement for the African nation. During the match, forward Wissa scored DR Congo's first-ever World Cup goal, and the team secured their first World Cup point in history. This is a significant milestone for the country, which previously participated in the 1974 World Cup under the name Zaire, losing all three group matches and failing to score a single goal. The result represents a breakthrough for DR Congo on the global football stage.
虎扑 - 足球Congo Hero Yoane Wissa Scores First World Cup Goal After Surviving Acid Attack
Yoane Wissa, a striker for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Newcastle United, scored his country's first-ever World Cup goal in a 1-1 draw against Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. The goal, a header from a corner just before halftime, was a historic moment for Congo. However, Wissa's journey to the World Cup is marked by a harrowing personal tragedy. In July 2021, while playing for Lorient in France, a woman broke into his home, attacked him with acid, and attempted to kidnap his daughter. Wissa suffered severe facial injuries and underwent emergency eye surgery, with doctors fearing he might lose his sight. The perpetrator, who claimed to hear 'inner voices,' was later sentenced to 18 years in prison for attempted murder and attempted child abduction. Wissa's resilience and return to top-level football culminated in this historic World Cup moment.
BILD - SportWissa Scores DR Congo's First World Cup Goal, Second Premier League Player to Do So Since Cahill
In a World Cup match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Portugal, Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa scored a goal, marking DR Congo's first-ever goal in World Cup history. According to statistics, this is the first time since the 2006 World Cup that a national team's first World Cup goal has been scored by a player from an English Premier League club. The last such occurrence was at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, when Everton's Tim Cahill scored Australia's first World Cup goal. The report highlights the historical significance of Wissa's achievement for both his national team and Premier League representation.
虎扑 - 足球