Historic: Yoan Wissa becomes the first Congolese goal scorer at the World Cup

17.06.26 FT World Cup

Portugal

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DR Congo

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Yoan Wissa etched his name in golden letters at NRG Stadium in Houston on June 17, 2026. The Newcastle player found the back of the net against Portugal and shattered the glass ceiling: he became the first Congolese goal scorer in the FIFA World Cup finals.

Yoan Wissa appeared in the 45+5th minute, connecting with a sensational cross from Arthur Masuaku to head home an unstoppable equalizer, making it 1-1 against Portugal. This goal is monumental in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo—it is the first ever for the Leopards at a World Cup.

Back in their first ever appearance in 1974, DR Congo lost all three matches without scoring a single goal. Now, 52 years later, Wissa finally opens Congo's World Cup account.

With this draw, Sébastien Desabre's men kick off their World Cup campaign in style, looking ahead to their next two group stage (Group K) tests against Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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