World Cup 2026: Yoane Wissa dedicates breakthrough to conflict-hit DR Congo as England showdown looms

DR Congo striker Yoane Wissa has delivered an emotional tribute to his homeland after a standout performance that sent his nation into a historic Round of 32 clash with England.

Wissa struck twice in a landmark victory over Uzbekistan, securing DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup win and setting up a high-profile meeting with England, where he has spent much of his club career with Newcastle United.

Speaking after the match, the forward reflected on the emotional weight carried by the squad amid ongoing turmoil back home.

“It’s not easy in our country,” Wissa said. “There’s a war in East Congo. Every day, every time we wear this shirt, we think about them.”

The 28-year-old, who has become one of DR Congo’s most influential figures on the international stage, said the team’s journey to the tournament carried deep meaning beyond football.

“Because we want peace and for them, I just say ‘thank you’. Thank you because we came from far. We came from nothing to be here,” he added. “Now we write our story with a black pen and we need to be proud.”

The result has been widely celebrated as a defining moment for DR Congo football, marking a breakthrough on the global stage and reinforcing the team’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s rising forces.

Attention now turns to the Round of 32 encounter against England, a fixture that carries additional narrative weight given Wissa’s familiarity with English football and the Premier League environment.

For DR Congo, however, the message from their star striker remains focused on something far beyond sport — representation, resilience, and hope for a nation still facing profound challenges.