Wissa strikes twice as DR Congo come from behind to stun Uzbekistan and face England

Yoane Wissa scored twice as DR Congo came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta, booking a World Cup round of 32 meeting with England after finishing third in Group K.

The result marks a significant moment for the African nation, who are competing at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. Their reward is a knockout tie against England on Wednesday.

Uzbekistan made the brighter start, with Eldor Shomurodov opening the scoring in the 10th minute, converting from a tight angle after an Abbosbek Fayzullaev header into the box. DR Congo thought they had levelled shortly afterwards when Nathanael Mbuku fired in a left-footed shot, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review — the referee judging that Mbuku had caught Sherzod Nasrullaev in the face with a flailing arm in the build-up.

DR Congo’s persistence paid off in the second half. Newcastle United striker Wissa drew them level from the penalty spot, sending the Uzbekistan goalkeeper the wrong way. Fiston Mayele then put the African side ahead in the 68th minute, flicking the ball over the line before the goalkeeper could react.

Wissa completed the comeback and sealed progression with a composed strike from the edge of the box into the bottom-right corner, capping a disciplined second-half performance that will serve as a warning to England ahead of Wednesday’s knockout fixture.