Yoane Wissa etched his name into the Democratic Republic of Congo football history after scoring the goal that ended the country’s 52-year wait for a FIFA World Cup goal.
The Newcastle United forward found the net with a powerful header just before halftime as DR Congo secured a 1-1 draw against Portugal in their opening Group K match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The goal was more than just an equaliser; it marked a historic moment for a nation that had waited over five decades to celebrate a World Cup goal.
The last time DR Congo appeared at the World Cup was in 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire. Their maiden appearance remains one of the most difficult campaigns in tournament history.
Zaire lost all three group matches, suffering defeats to Scotland, Yugoslavia and Brazil without scoring a single goal.
Their heaviest defeat came against Yugoslavia, who recorded a 9-0 victory, while Scotland beat them 2-0 and Brazil won 3-0. As a result, Zaire left the tournament without a point and without finding the back of the net.
Since then, generations of Congolese football fans have waited for their country to return to football’s biggest stage. That long wait finally ended when DR Congo qualified for the expanded 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Against a strong Portuguese side led by some of Europe’s biggest stars, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and PSG’s Vitinha, however, DR Congo showed courage and determination.
Their reward came at the end of the first half when Wissa rose highest in the penalty area to head home and send the Congolese supporters into celebration.
Although the match ended in a draw, the result and the goal carried enormous significance. Wissa’s strike ensured that DR Congo would no longer be remembered only for the struggles of 1974 but also for a historic breakthrough on their return to the global stage.
The goal ended a wait of 52 years and three days, giving DR Congo a memorable moment and a fresh chapter in the country’s World Cup story.
