DR Congo script history as Africa shatters FIFA World Cup knockout record

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has marked a watershed moment for African football, with an unprecedented eight nations securing places in the Round of 32 after the group stage. The latest to join the historic list was DR Congo, which produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and continue its dream run in the expanded 48-team tournament.

The victory was monumental on multiple fronts. It not only sealed DR Congo's first-ever progression to the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup but also delivered the country's maiden victory at the tournament. More importantly, it underlined the growing depth and competitiveness of African football on the global stage.After conceding inside the opening 10 minutes, the Leopards showed remarkable composure under pressure.

Yoane Wissa emerged as the hero with a brace, converting a crucial penalty in the 68th minute before adding another deep into stoppage time. In between, Fiston Mayele found the net in the 78th minute to complete a memorable turnaround and send Congolese fans into celebration.The result added another chapter to what has already become Africa's most successful World Cup campaign. Before 2026, the highest number of African teams to reach the knockout rounds in a single edition was just two, achieved at the 2014 and 2022 tournaments.

This year, however, the continent has shattered that benchmark.Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt and DR Congo have all progressed to the Round of 32. Morocco, which became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal in Qatar 2022. Congo has a tall task in facing England next, but for now, the team is soaking in the moment.“It's really historic for our country, Congo,” forward Fiston Mayele said after the game. "It's the first win and the first knockout stage. Today, I have to be proud here, and almost everywhere in my country, everyone is happy with what we did. We're proud to be Congolese, and I think we will keep going.”