DR Congo Make World Cup History With Comeback Win, Face England in Last 32

DR Congo have made history at the FIFA World Cup, advancing to the knockout rounds for the very first time after staging a thrilling comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 at Atlanta Stadium. Goals from Yoane Wissa (two) and Fiston Mayele sealed a result that will go down as one of the most significant in Congolese football history.

Uzbekistan, who had already been eliminated heading into the final group game, made a blistering start. Eldor Shomurodov appeared to score after just 20 seconds, but the effort was ruled out for offside. The forward was not to be denied for long, however, and broke the deadlock in the 10th minute with a clever, looping finish from a tight angle — coming days before his 31st birthday.

DR Congo had a goal of their own disallowed shortly after, with Nathanael Mbuku's strike chalked off for a foul in the build-up. Uzbekistan came close to doubling their lead in the second half when Shomurodov's delicate attempt dropped onto the roof of the net in the 51st minute.

The Leopards gradually took control of the contest, and Wissa drew them level from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. Ten minutes later, substitute Meschack Elia's shot was deflected into the path of fellow substitute Fiston Mayele, who produced a composed dink over goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov to put Congo ahead for the first time.

Wissa then put the result beyond doubt with a composed finish from outside the box in injury time, completing the comeback and securing DR Congo's place in the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. They will face England in Atlanta on 1 July — a mouthwatering tie that will capture attention across Africa and beyond.

The achievement is a landmark moment for football in central Africa, and Congo DR's run at this World Cup will no doubt inspire a generation of young players back home in Kinshasa and across the continent.