FIFA World Cup 2026: 52 years after, DR Congo roar into knockout stage

For the Democratic Republic of Congo, this is the kind of football story that cannot be scripted.
Fifty Two years after appearing at the FIFA World Cup as the Republic of Zaire, the Leopards have returned to the grandest stage of world football and achieved something no Congolese team had ever done before—reach the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup.
Their emphatic 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s White Wolves on June 27 was more than just three points; it was a historic statement that African football continues to rise and challenge the established order. Led by a brilliant brace from Yoane Wissa and another goal from Fiston Mayele, the Leopards overcame an early setback and surged to a memorable victory that will be celebrated across the nation for generations.
DR Congo’s qualification journey itself has been one of resilience, belief, and redemption. Written off by many before the tournament, the Leopards have steadily grown into one of the stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Now their reward is a blockbuster Round of 32 showdown against England’s Three Lions, a matchup made even more intriguing after England struggled to break down Ghana’s disciplined defense earlier in the tournament. As the Congolese faithful dream of an even deeper run, the Leopards march forward with confidence, carrying the hopes of a football-mad nation and proving that African teams are no longer content merely to participate—they are here to compete, conquer and make history.