Overview
- DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta on Saturday, June 27, to secure a place in the World Cup Round of 32.
- Yoane Wissa scored from the penalty spot and added a late goal, and Fiston Mayele also scored to turn the game in Congo’s favor.
- Michel Kuka Mboladinga, the famed 'Lumumba Vea' superfan, was denied a U.S. visa and missed the match while an impersonator, Enock Kabwende, stood in and drew cheers from the crowd.
- President Félix Tshisekedi publicly urged national support before the game, framing the match as a moment for unity and pride for more than 100 million Congolese.
- This is DR Congo’s first World Cup knockout appearance since 1974, and the team now faces a significantly tougher test against England in the next round with strong public attention and logistical questions about fans and travel still unresolved.