World Cup 2026: Yoane Wissa makes African history with record-breaking group stage feat

Yoane Wissa has written his name into African World Cup history after becoming just the fourth player from the continent to score three goals in a single FIFA World Cup group stage.

The DR Congo forward reached the milestone after scoring twice in the Leopards’ 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan on Sunday in their final Group K match, taking his tally to three goals in the opening phase of the tournament.

The achievement places Wissa alongside a select group of African footballers who have reached the same landmark at the World Cup, underlining his impressive contribution to DR Congo’s campaign.

His goals also played a significant role in helping the Leopards secure qualification for the Round of 32, with the striker emerging as one of the team’s standout performers.

Yoane Wissa Reaches Historic World Cup Milestone

Wissa produced another influential display against Uzbekistan, continuing the fine form that has made him one of Africa’s leading performers at the tournament.

Brace Against Uzbekistan Seals Place in Record Books

The DR Congo striker scored twice as the Leopards claimed a 3-1 victory in their final group-stage fixture.

Those goals took his overall tally to three during the group phase of the competition, making him the fourth African player to reach that mark in a single World Cup group stage.

The feat reflects Wissa’s consistency in front of goal and his ability to deliver against some of the strongest defences at the tournament.

His latest performance further strengthened his reputation as DR Congo’s principal attacking threat during the opening round.

Exclusive club welcomes another African goalscorer

By reaching the three-goal milestone, Wissa joins a distinguished list of African players who have achieved the same feat at the World Cup.

Wissa joins Bouba Diop, Saibari and Ismaïla Sarr

The Congolese international now shares the record with Senegal’s Papa Bouba Diop and Ismaïla Sarr, as well as Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari.

Each of those players left a significant mark on the World Cup during their respective tournaments, and Wissa has now earned his place alongside them through his performances in the group stage.

Joining such a select group highlights the impact the 28-year-old has made for DR Congo at football’s biggest competition.

Wissa leads DR Congo into the knockout stage

Beyond the personal milestone, Wissa’s goals have played a decisive role in his country’s progress at the tournament.

Striker emerges as Leopards’ key attacking leader

The three goals scored during the group stage made an important contribution to DR Congo’s qualification for the Round of 32.

His performances have established him as the focal point of the Leopards’ attack and one of the team’s most influential players.

With the knockout rounds still to come, Wissa has already made a lasting impression by combining consistency with clinical finishing.

If he maintains the same level in the remainder of the tournament, the DR Congo forward could continue adding to his growing World Cup legacy while helping the Leopards pursue further success.