The Democratic Republic of Congo etched their name into FIFA World Cup history after fighting back to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta, securing their first-ever victory at the global showpiece and a historic place in the Round of 32.
The memorable triumph also made the Leopards the latest African nation to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will now face England in what promises to be a thrilling last-32 encounter.
DR Congo entered the decisive Group K clash knowing only victory would keep their World Cup dream alive, but they were immediately put under pressure by an adventurous Uzbekistan side.
The Central Asians thought they had made the perfect start when they found the back of the net inside the opening 30 seconds. However, their celebrations were cut short after the assistant referee raised the flag for offside.
Uzbekistan would not have to wait long to break the deadlock.
In the 10th minute, captain Eldor Shomurodov produced a moment of quality, lifting a composed finish beyond the goalkeeper to hand his side the lead and leave DR Congo staring at an early group-stage exit.
The Leopards responded positively and believed they had equalised seven minutes later through Nathanaël Mbuku. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for handball in the build-up, much to the frustration of the Congolese players and coaching staff.
Despite the setback, Sébastien Desabre’s men refused to lose hope and continued pushing forward in search of an equaliser.
Their persistence was finally rewarded when they were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the box. Yoane Wissa stepped up confidently and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the scores at 1-1, breathing new life into DR Congo’s World Cup campaign.
The equaliser shifted the momentum completely.
Just ten minutes later, substitute Fiston Mayele completed the turnaround after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area, poking home to put the Leopards ahead for the first time in the contest.
With confidence soaring, DR Congo dominated proceedings after the break, pressing aggressively and creating chance after chance as Uzbekistan struggled to cope with their intensity.
The Leopards finally put the contest beyond doubt deep into stoppage time.
In the 91st minute, Wissa collected possession just outside the penalty area, turned brilliantly before unleashing a powerful strike into the far corner to complete his brace and seal a famous 3-1 victory.
The statistics reflected DR Congo’s dominance after halftime, with the African side registering 12 shots compared to Uzbekistan’s three in the second half. Their relentless attacking play, resilience and composure under pressure ultimately proved decisive.
The victory saw DR Congo finish third in Group K with four points and a positive goal difference, enough to secure qualification as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
It is a landmark achievement for a nation that had never previously won a FIFA World Cup match.
The reward for their historic qualification is a mouthwatering Round of 32 showdown against England. Better still, the Leopards will not have to leave Atlanta, giving them valuable familiarity with their surroundings as they prepare to face one of the tournament favourites.
Having ended their long wait for a World Cup victory, DR Congo now head into the knockout stage full of confidence, hoping their remarkable journey can continue against the Three Lions.
