World Cup 2026: Yoane Wissa writes his name in golden letters in history

The Panther joins a very exclusive circle of Africans at the World Cup

Africa 28 June 2026 at 06:58

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World Cup 2026: Yoane Wissa writes his name in golden letters in history

01.07.26 FT World Cup

England

DR Congo

Yoane Wissa has propelled the Democratic Republic of Congo to a new dimension in football. With his brace against Uzbekistan (3-1), the Newcastle striker not only secured the Leopards’ qualification for the Round of 16 at the World Cup, but also cemented his legendary status with the team.

After becoming the first Congolese player to score in a World Cup match—against Portugal (1-1)—the 29-year-old concluded the group stage with three goals, joining an extremely elite club at the African continental level.

🇨🇩 Yoane Wissa 🏆

First Congolese goal scorer at the World Cup

First Congolese player to score a brace at the World Cup

First Congolese to be named Man of the Match at the World Cup

🎥 FIFA #Congo pic.twitter.com/ma68ri6gkm
— Inside Foot 243 (@Inside_foot243) 28 June 2026

Before him, only three Africans had achieved this tally in the group stage: Moroccan Ismael Saibari (2026), and Senegalese duo Ismaila Sarr (2026) and Papa Bouba Diop in 2002.

Yoane Wissa didn’t just break records. His double (3-1) against Uzbekistan handed DR Congo a ticket to the knockout stages.