DR Congo striker Yoane Wissa has broken the silence about his emotions after his crucial goal earned the Leopards a 1-1 draw against Portugal in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup clash on Wednesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The result was a historic one for the Central Africans, who were making their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974. Wissa’s equaliser not only secured the nation’s first-ever point at the tournament but also their maiden World Cup goal.
“What did I feel? My whole life flashed before my eyes,” Wissa expressed himself about getting the goal after the match.
“I had waited for this moment for decades, just like the entire country. I saw myself again as a little boy dreaming of becoming a professional footballer. Emotionally, it was incredibly powerful.”
Born in France but proudly representing the country of his parents, Wissa revealed that one of his first thoughts after the final whistle was to call his mother.
“I still can’t believe it,” the Newcastle United striker said. “I called my mother after the match, and she couldn’t stop crying. I know my name will remain part of history. My mother means everything to me, and so does my father. We are three brothers and we are very close. Playing for DR Congo is a way of honouring their sacrifices,” Wissa concluded.
With a historic first point now in the bag, the Leopards will be up against Colombia in their next Group K game in Guadalajara on Wednesday, where Wissa and his teammates will look to build on an encouraging start to their FIFA World Cup campaign.
