DR Congo Hub
DR Congo's Leopards secured their first World Cup 2026 knockout‑stage win, beating Uzbekistan 3‑1 and booking a round‑of‑16 clash on July 1 at 18:00.
How did the match unfold?
Uzbekistan opened the scoring in the 10th minute with Eldor Shomurodov's lob. VAR later disallowed a Lionel Mpasi goal for off‑side. Despite sustained pressure, two Congolese attempts were rejected (Nathanaël Mbuku, 17th minute). The turning point came at the 68th minute: Yoane Wissa converted a penalty and then added a second‑time ground‑level strike in added time (90+1).
Who were the decisive scorers?
| Player | Action | Minute |
|---|---|---|
| Yoane Wissa | Penalty + goal | 68, 90+1 |
| Fiston Mayele | Goal (deflection) | 78 |
Wissa, a former AJ Aci and Lorient player, was the match hero, while Mayele surprised with a deflection that fooled the Uzbek keeper.
Why does this win matter for DR Congo?
Finishing third in Group K with four points, the Leopards qualified as one of the best third‑placed teams, earning a spot in the round of 16. It marks the first time DR Congo has played a knockout match in a World Cup, boosting coach Sébastien Desabre's reputation.
What lies ahead?
On July 1, the Leopards will face England, the Group A champion. The challenge is formidable: England boasts a lethal attack and squad depth the Congolese have never faced in a final stage. Desabre may need to tweak his setup, perhaps leaning more on Wissa's pace and Mayele's creativity.
The England tie promises a decisive test for DR Congo, which hopes to extend its historic run and inspire a new generation of Congolese footballers.
