FIFA World Cup 2026: 52 years later, DR Congo reach knockout stage

For the Democratic Republic of Congo, this is the kind of football story that can’t be written into a script.
Fifty-two years after participating in the FIFA World Cup as the Republic of Zaire, Leopards returned to the biggest stage in world football and achieved something no Congolese team had ever done before: reach the round of 16 of a FIFA World Cup.
Their emphatic 3-1 win over the White Wolves of Uzbekistan on June 27 is worth more than just three points; it was a historic declaration that African football continues to grow and challenge the established order. Led by a brilliant double 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.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s qualification journey itself was one of resilience, conviction and redemption. Written off by many before the tournament, Leopards have become one of the stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Now their reward is a successful round of 32 clash against England’s Three Lions, a match made even more intriguing after England struggled to break down Ghana’s disciplined defense earlier in the tournament. While 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 simply to participate: they are here to compete, conquer and make history.