DR Congo secured a historic 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan on Sunday in Atlanta, advancing to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in over half a century and setting up a dramatic last-32 clash with England in the same stadium on Wednesday.
With the tournament’s group stage now complete, the Leopards—led by Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa’s two-goal heroics—will face Thomas Tuchel’s England side in a match that could redefine Africa’s World Cup trajectory. The win also marked DR Congo’s first knockout-stage appearance since the competition’s inception in 1930, cementing their place in football history.
How DR Congo’s late rally turned the tide
The game began with Uzbekistan taking the lead through Eldor Shomurodov, whose 10th-minute strike exploited a defensive mix-up between England defenders Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. DR Congo, however, fought back with relentless intensity in the second half. A penalty awarded after a foul on Wissa in the 67th minute set the tone, with the striker converting calmly to level the score. Fiston Mayele then sealed DR Congo’s fate with a clinical finish in the 78th minute, before Wissa’s stoppage-time strike—his second of the match—confirmed their passage to the knockout rounds.
According to the BBC, the VAR review initially disallowed a goal by Nathanael Mbuku due to a trailing hand in the build-up, a decision that frustrated the Leopards but ultimately set the stage for their late resurgence. The match’s dramatic arc mirrored DR Congo’s broader World Cup journey: a team that entered as underdogs but left as one of the tournament’s biggest stories.
Why England’s path just got harder
England’s road to the knockout stage has been far from smooth. Their 2-0 victory over Slovenia in their opening game was followed by a grueling 1-0 win over Iran, and their match against Ghana—another tightly contested affair—ended in a 1-1 draw. Now, they face a DR Congo side that has shown resilience, tactical discipline, and a knack for seizing momentum in crunch moments. As The New York Times noted, African teams have dominated the group stage, with Cape Verde, Morocco, and Egypt all advancing, while Senegal and Ivory Coast remain formidable threats.
The stakes for England are high. A loss to DR Congo would not only eliminate them from the tournament but also send a shockwave through football’s hierarchy, where the Three Lions have long been considered favorites. Meanwhile, DR Congo’s victory adds to a growing narrative of African football’s resurgence on the world stage. Their qualification as one of the best third-placed teams—alongside Colombia and Portugal—underscores how far the continent’s national sides have come in recent years.
The man of the match: Yoane Wissa’s redemption arc
Wissa’s performance was nothing short of transformative. After a disappointing spell at Newcastle, where he scored just one goal in 19 Premier League appearances following a £55 million transfer, his World Cup heroics have reignited speculation about his future. Playing for DR Congo, he demonstrated the clinical finishing and composure that had been lacking in England. His brace in Atlanta—one from the penalty spot, the other a low curling strike in stoppage time—was the difference between heartbreak and history.
The contrast between Wissa’s club struggles and his international form raises questions about his long-term prospects. While Newcastle may have written him off, DR Congo’s qualification could open doors elsewhere. For now, however, his focus is on Wednesday’s match against England, where he’ll have the chance to cement his legacy as one of Africa’s brightest talents.
What happens next: DR Congo’s knockout-stage debut
DR Congo’s journey doesn’t end with their victory over Uzbekistan. Their next challenge is far greater: a last-32 clash with England in the same stadium where they secured their place in the knockout rounds. The match, scheduled for Wednesday at 17:00 BST, will be DR Congo’s first World Cup game in Atlanta—and their first knockout-stage appearance in the competition’s 96-year history.
For England, the pressure is mounting. A loss would not only be a major upset but also send a message that the traditional powerhouses of world football are no longer invincible. Meanwhile, DR Congo’s fans—many of whom traveled to Atlanta for the Uzbekistan match—will be hoping for a repeat of Sunday’s heroics. As The Guardian reported, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with DR Congo supporters celebrating their team’s historic achievement in unison.
The knockout stage promises to be Africa’s moment. With Morocco, Cape Verde, and Egypt already through, the continent’s teams are poised to make a collective statement. For DR Congo, Wednesday’s match against England is their chance to etch their names into football history—and to show the world that African football is no longer a story of potential, but of achievement.
One thing is certain: the World Cup just got a lot more interesting.
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