Yoane Wissa delivered a standout performance to fire the Democratic Republic of Congo into the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as the Leopards came from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta. DR Congo will now face England in the knockout stage on Wednesday.

The Newcastle forward netted twice on the night — his second and third goals of the tournament — to help his side finish third in Group K and secure the country's first-ever World Cup victory. Wissa had also found the net when DR Congo drew with Portugal on matchday one.

A dramatic turnaround in Atlanta

Uzbekistan made a lively start and nearly took the lead in the opening seconds, with captain Eldor Shomurodov getting the ball past goalkeeper Mpasi — only for the flag to go up for offside. The early warning was not enough for DR Congo, however, as Shomurodov struck again in the 10th minute, lobbing Mpasi who had strayed out of position to put Uzbekistan ahead.

DR Congo, who required a win to advance from the group, responded with urgency. Nathan Mbuku appeared to draw his side level, but VAR intervened and ruled the goal out — a foul during the build-up, in which Mbuku's arm struck Sherzod Nasrullaev in the face, was deemed to have occurred. The Leopards were then awarded a lifeline when Abdukodir Khusanov caught Wissa inside the penalty area in the 66th minute.

Wissa stepped up and converted the penalty with composure, sending Nematov the wrong way to bring DR Congo level in the 68th minute. Substitute Fiston Mayele then nudged the Leopards in front with a close-range finish in the 78th minute to complete the comeback. Wissa added a stunning strike from distance in the 90+1st minute to put the result beyond doubt.

A historic night for the Leopards

The victory marks the first time DR Congo have ever won a FIFA World Cup match, a milestone that arrives at the most dramatic of moments. The same Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta that witnessed this historic triumph will host their round of 32 meeting with England on Wednesday — a clash that promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the Leopards' maiden World Cup knockout campaign.