Yoane Wissa Scores DR Congo's First-Ever World Cup Goal Against Portugal

Yoane Wissa, a 29-year-old forward for Newcastle United, made history on June 18, 2026, when he scored the Democratic Republic of the Congo's first-ever goal at a World Cup. Playing in a group stage match against Portugal in Houston, Wissa headed in a corner kick five minutes into the second half, securing a 1-1 draw for his nation. The goal came against one of the tournament's favourites and marked DR Congo's return to the World Cup after a 52-year absence.

Wissa's achievement is particularly remarkable given the adversity he has overcome. In July 2021, he survived a severe acid attack when a woman threw acid in his face at his home while attempting to kidnap his daughter. The assault caused significant chemical burns and required emergency eye surgery. His assailant, identified as 36-year-old Laetitia P, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in January 2025. Despite the trauma, physical injuries, and psychological impact—including panic attacks and sleep disturbances—Wissa recovered over six months and resumed his professional career with FC Lorient.

Wissa's resilience has been widely praised by those who know him. His former manager at Lorient, Christophe Pelissier, visited him in the hospital the day after the attack and remarked on his "strong will" and determination to succeed. Teammate Pierre-Yves Hamel noted that Wissa "never complained" and immediately sought to move forward after the incident. "Once Yoane has an idea in mind, he will do his utmost to make it happen—no matter how long it takes," Hamel said.

Portugal's goal, scored by João Neves in the sixth minute, preceded Wissa's equalizer. The match carried emotional significance for Portugal, as the team honoured their late teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash along with his brother the previous summer. The players wore wristbands with Jota's name, and his parents were present at the stadium as the team was honoured on the screens before kickoff.

Wissa's historic goal was celebrated both in Houston Stadium and globally on social media, with fans from both nations acknowledging the significance of the moment. His journey from near-blindness and trauma to scoring for his country at football's largest stage exemplifies extraordinary human resilience.