DR Congo completed Africa’s remarkable showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan, sealing a historic place in the Round of 32 and becoming the eighth CAF representative to reach the knockout stages.
The result means the Leopards join South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Cape Verde in the next round, leaving Tunisia as the only African side to miss out on the knockout phase.
Making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years since competing as Zaire in 1974, DR Congo produced a spirited second-half display to write another memorable chapter in the nation’s football history.
Despite a bright start, the Leopards fell behind after just 10 minutes when Uzbekistan capitalised on an incisive attacking move to take the lead. DR Congo thought they had levelled in the 18th minute, but VAR ruled out the goal for an earlier infringement, sending the Central Africans into the break trailing 1-0.
With their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, DR Congo emerged from halftime with renewed purpose. Their relentless pressure finally paid off in the 69th minute when Yoane Wissa calmly converted a penalty to restore parity.
The equaliser transformed the contest, with the Leopards taking complete control. Wissa struck again in the 78th minute to complete his brace and turn the match on its head, before a Mayele’s late third goal sealed an emphatic 3-1 victory and sparked wild celebrations among the Congolese players and supporters.
The win also propelled DR Congo to the summit of the third-placed standings, confirming their progression to the Round of 32 and capping one of the country’s greatest achievements on the global stage.
Africa has now enjoyed its most successful World Cup group-stage campaign, with eight of its ten representatives advancing to the knockout rounds. DR Congo’s qualification adds another inspiring chapter to the continent’s impressive tournament, as CAF continues to make history on football’s biggest stage.
The Leopards now turn their attention to the Round of 32, where they will hope their fairytale return to the FIFA World Cup continues.
