Congo DR advances to World Cup knockout round for first time

DR Congo's Ngal'ayel Mukau celebrates after the match. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Congo DR advances to World Cup knockout round for first time

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Jun 27, 2026 10:26 PM ET

The expanded 48-team field at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has definitely had its share of critics and detractors over what it might mean for both the quality of the teams advancing to the knockout stage and the individual games themselves. But now that we are seeing some of the stories that are developing, it's really hard to argue against how positive it is for some of the smaller countries that have never had a chance to compete at this level.

Congo DR is one of those teams, and thanks to its 3-1 win over Uzbekistan on Saturday, it became the latest team to advance to the knockout stage for the first time.

It's 3-1 win was the first ever World Cup win for the small African nation.

Congo DR advances to World Cup knockout round for first time ever

Saturday's result and advancement continue what has been a stunning appearance for Congo DR. Even reaching the tournament was an accomplishment in itself, making the field for just the second time ever and the first time since the 1974 World Cup.

Its appearance got off to a stunning start when it scored its first World Cup goal in an unexpected 1-1 draw against Portugal, one of the top contenders in the tournament. After dropping a tough 1-0 decision to Colombia in its second game, the stage was set for Saturday's historic result.

After falling behind, 1-0, in the 10th minute, Congo DR was able to respond with three second-half goals, including two from Yoanne Wissa.

A beautiful curler into the bottom corner from Yoane Wissa for DR Congo pic.twitter.com/gqEYJDiLuD
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2026

Given the celebration that kicked off for Congo DR fans in the stadium, and the response it is going to have back home, it's hard not to buy into the expanded field.

The World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, but it's also supposed to be a celebration of the sport. Now, fans across the world who have never had the opportunity to see their country represented and compete on this stage are able to experience it.

Congo DR is the 11th African nation to advance to the round-of-32 in this year's tournament, and the fifth to do so for the first time (joining Cape Verde, Egypt, South Africa and the Ivory Coast.

Are any of them going to be favorites to win in the knockout round or advance far?

Not likely.

You are still going to see the top favorites and powerhouse teams in the quarterfinals and beyond. But it's still a great experience for players and fans getting an opportunity to put themselves on the map for the sport and help build their programs. There is nothing negative to come from any of this.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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