DR Congo reach World Cup knockout for first time after 52-year

DR Congo made history after 52-year by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 in dramatic circumstances on Sunday (AEST).

The history-making team came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secure a place in the knockout stage as one of the eight best third-placed teams, thanks to Yoane Wissa’s second-half brace.

DR Congo will now face Group L winners England in the Round of 32.

“This shows what it means to the people,” said commentator Chris Sharples.

DR Congo reached the World Cup through the inter-confederation play-offs. In Mexico, they defeated Jamaica 1-0 after extra time, ending a 52-year absence from the tournament.

History for Congo DR! 🇨🇩

Their first-ever @FIFAWorldCup win sees them qualify for the knockout stage for the first time 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ToSRsLTg0i

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 28, 2026

It was only the second time DR Congo had ever reached the World Cup. Their first appearance was in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire. At that time, they became the first Sub-Saharan African team to qualify for the tournament but were eliminated in the group stage without scoring against Scotland, Brazil, and Yugoslavia.

On Sunday, Sebastien Desabre’s team made history once again.

Uzbekistan had taken the lead at half-time through a brilliant first-half goal by Eldor Shomurodov, but DR Congo fought back strongly.

Wissa equalised in the 68th minute from the penalty spot. Later, Fiston Mayele came off the bench and narrowly beat the offside trap to put DR Congo ahead 10 minutes later.

Commentators noted how close the offside call was, with one saying only a fingertip margin kept him onside.

Wissa sealed the win in stoppage time, sparking celebrations.

Commentator Chris Sutton described the moment as electric, praising Wissa’s finish and saying he had no right to score from that position, calling it a brilliant goal.