The DR Congo national football team defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 on Sunday, June 28, 2026, to advance to the World Cup knockout stage [1].
The victory marks the first time the team, known as the Leopards, has reached the knockout rounds in the history of the tournament [2].
Playing at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, DR Congo overcame an early deficit to secure the win [1]. The result was critical for the team, as a victory was required to move past the group stage [3].
This achievement ends a long period of absence from the world stage. The team had not appeared in a World Cup for 52 years [3], since their 1974 appearance when they competed under the name Zaire [3]. That previous campaign was marked by a difficult 9-0 defeat against Yugoslavia [3].
The 3-1 scoreline in Atlanta represents a significant turnaround for the program [1]. By securing their place in the next round, the Leopards have moved beyond the legacy of their mid-century appearance and established a new precedent for Congolese football [2].
The match took place as part of Group K competition [1]. While some reports cited the match occurring Saturday night, official records confirm the date as Sunday, June 28 [1].
“DR Congo came from behind to win 3-1, securing a place in the knockout stage”
DR Congo's progression to the knockout stage signifies a historic shift for the national team, erasing the memory of a crushing 9-0 loss in 1974. By qualifying for the first time since the Zaire era, the Leopards have transitioned from a historical footnote to a competitive presence in the modern global game.
