Match report as DR Congo win their first World Cup fixture to book a place in the round of 32, where they will meet England; Yoane Wissa scored a double, and Fiston Mayele netted the other as DR Congo fought from behind against Uzbekistan. (Photo: Wissa of DR Congo scored).

The Newcastle forward was the star of the show as he scored his second and third goals of the tournament to ensure his side clinched third in Group K and their first World Cup victory. Wissa was also on target as the Leopards drew with Portugal on match day one.

What’s now DR Congo’s most glorious footballing victory, nearly wasn’t to be. Uzbekistan opened the scoring after a quick start, after captain Eldor Shomurodov was punished before defending. He earlier found the net in the opening minute, only for it to be chalked off for offside.

DR Congo, who needed a win to progress, were then sparked into action. Although Nathan Mbuku’s equaliser was ruled out after his flailing arm caught Sherzod Nasrullaev in the face during the build-up, Wissa provided the lifeline. The 29-year-old was caught in the box by Abdukodir Khusanov and stepped up to coolly convert his penalty.

Fiston Mayele, a second-half substitute, put Congo’s noses in front for the first time before Wissa arrowed in a third to seal the win. The same stage that saw DR Congo claim a famous victory will house their first knockout tie against England on Wednesday.

Analysis by Sky Sports’ William Bitibiri

“If you’re looking for your dark horses in the knockout stages, you won’t find one in DR Congo. Instead, you’ll find a prowling, stubborn Leopard, primed and ready to spring a surprise or two. (Photo: Wissa of Congo).

“Portugal came away licking their wounds, with weaknesses exposed in their meeting with DR Congo, leading to the questioning of a stellar array of footballers. Not only did DR Congo claim a point against Portugal, who were considered one of the competition’s favourites from the outset, but onlookers would be justified to argue that Sebastien Desabre’s men deserved a victory.

“Colombia offered a different test, and while DR Congo eventually ceded under pressure late in the game, the principles were clear – defend first and ask questions later. DR Congo are not a side designed to entertain; they are a nation built on not losing. Despite Yoane Wissa’s three goals in the competition, the defence is where Desabre has placed his focus during his reign.

“Under his four-year stewardship, DR Congo have never been beaten by more than one goal. For context, Thomas Tuchel, who took over England last year, has already lost by a two-goal margin – a 3-1 defeat to Senegal. But Congo’s goal-scoring is a stumbling block, with the side scoring one goal or fewer in two-thirds of their matches.

“The inquest into England’s lack of creativity, inspiration or energy in attacking areas continues despite their 2-0 win over Panama. On a quest to fix that, don’t expect Tuchel to find easy prey to remedy that against the stubborn DR Congo.”

Courtesy: Sky Sports, William Bitibiri, Football Journalist @williambitibiri, Sunday 28 June 2026