DR Congo Create FIFA World Cup History With First Ever Knockout Stage Qualification

The DR Congo national football team scripted one of the biggest stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by reaching the knockout stage for the first time in the nation's history. The Leopards sealed their place in the Round of 32 with a stunning 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan national football team, ending a 52-year wait for a World Cup win in the process.

Competing at the World Cup for only the second time-and their first since appearing as Zaire in 1974-DR Congo have exceeded expectations under coach Sébastien Desabre. After collecting four points in a challenging group, they will now face England national football team in the Round of 32.

DR Congo historic journey to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage

DR Congo's remarkable run did not begin in North America. Their journey started in African qualifying, where they emerged from a difficult path by overcoming regional heavyweights and earning a place in the Intercontinental Playoffs. There, they secured qualification for the World Cup, ending a 52-year absence from football's biggest stage.

Once at the tournament, the Leopards continued to create history.

Their campaign began with a narrow defeat, but they quickly bounced back with a memorable 1-1 draw against Portugal national football team. That result was historic in itself, as Yoane Wissa scored DR Congo's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal while also helping the nation earn its first-ever point at the tournament.

Needing a victory against tournament debutants Uzbekistan to stay alive, DR Congo found themselves trailing early after captain Eldor Shomurodov opened the scoring. However, Desabre's side produced a sensational second-half comeback. Wissa equalised from the penalty spot before Fiston Mayele put the Leopards ahead. Wissa then sealed a 3-1 victory with a stoppage-time strike, sparking jubilant celebrations among players and supporters.

The win not only secured qualification but also marked DR Congo's first-ever World Cup victory, ending a wait that stretched back to their only previous appearance in 1974.

History made at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

By reaching the Round of 32, DR Congo have achieved several milestones in a single tournament:

• First FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974.
• First World Cup goal.
• First World Cup point.
• First World Cup victory.
• First qualification for the knockout stage.

Regardless of what happens against England, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered as the tournament that transformed DR Congo's place in World Cup history. Under Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards have gone from ending a five-decade absence to becoming one of the competition's most inspiring underdog stories.