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DR Congo Secures First World Cup Knockout Spot with 3-1 Win Over Uzbekistan
In a decisive Group K match at Atlanta Stadium on 27 June 2026, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) defeated Uzbekistan 3‑1 to become the first African nation to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The victory, achieved after a 2‑0 deficit, secured Congo’s place in the round of 32 as one of the best third‑place teams.
The match began with a quick Uzbek strike. Eldor Shomurodov scored in the 10th minute, the first time Uzbekistan had taken the lead in a World Cup match. The goal was a low, looping finish from a tight angle. Congo’s first response came in the 68th minute when Yoane Wissa converted a penalty after a foul in the build‑up. Wissa’s second goal, a precise finish from the edge of the box, came in injury time, sealing the win.
Fiston Mayele added a third for Congo in the 78th minute. The goal came after a deflected shot from substitute Meschack Elia was redirected into the net. Mayele’s touch sent the ball past Uzbek goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.
The match was a turnaround for Congo, who had lost their first two group games. The win moved them to third place in Group K, behind Portugal and Colombia, and allowed them to advance as one of the eight best third‑place teams. Uzbekistan, by contrast, lost all three of its group matches and was eliminated.
After the match, Wissa said, “I’m just one piece of the puzzle. Today was very tough — the weight on our shoulders was hard to bear. There are things we need to fix. But the most important thing is this historic Round of 32. We’re going to savour this moment because it’s been tough.” He added, “All the guys — the substitutes, those who’ve worn the jersey before, and those who’ll wear it tomorrow — we should be proud. Thank you to all the Congolese people; it’s for moments like these that we do what we do.”
Head coach Sébastien Desabre praised the squad, stating, “We have to congratulate the players — they were the ones who were extraordinary. We’re a team that knows how to respond when we concede a goal; we keep fighting with determination. We were a little more offensive today, and I’m glad everyone could see that we’re capable of scoring goals. That’s great. I have to congratulate my coaching staff as well; we’re really proud and happy for all Congolese people.”
Uzbekistan’s head coach Fabio Cannavaro reflected on the match: “The first half we did an amazing performance, we prepared the game in this way. I knew we spent a lot of energy, I knew we were running too much, and I was afraid for the second half. I tried to push them at half time but of course at this level if we make small mistakes — what I said against Colombia, against Portugal — you pay too much. Of course this World Cup for us is some experience, I’m proud because even if they suffered they showed what they can do.”
Congo’s qualification to the round of 32 sets up a match against England on 1 July in Atlanta. The win also marks the first time the Leopards have reached the knockout stage in their 48‑team World Cup history. The team’s previous appearance was in 1974, when they were known as Zaire, and they were eliminated after three defeats.
The match is part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, which is being held across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Group K also includes Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. The tournament began on 11 June 2026 and will conclude on 19 July 2026.
Congo’s progress underscores the growing competitiveness of African teams in the World Cup, while Uzbekistan’s elimination highlights the challenges faced by debutant nations. The next round will see England and Congo face off, a match that will determine whether Congo can build on its historic achievement.
The 2026 World Cup continues to showcase emerging talent and unexpected results, with the DR Congo’s comeback victory serving as a notable example of resilience and skill on the world stage.
The match began with a quick Uzbek strike. Eldor Shomurodov scored in the 10th minute, the first time Uzbekistan had taken the lead in a World Cup match. The goal was a low, looping finish from a tight angle. Congo’s first response came in the 68th minute when Yoane Wissa converted a penalty after a foul in the build‑up. Wissa’s second goal, a precise finish from the edge of the box, came in injury time, sealing the win.
Fiston Mayele added a third for Congo in the 78th minute. The goal came after a deflected shot from substitute Meschack Elia was redirected into the net. Mayele’s touch sent the ball past Uzbek goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.
The match was a turnaround for Congo, who had lost their first two group games. The win moved them to third place in Group K, behind Portugal and Colombia, and allowed them to advance as one of the eight best third‑place teams. Uzbekistan, by contrast, lost all three of its group matches and was eliminated.
After the match, Wissa said, “I’m just one piece of the puzzle. Today was very tough — the weight on our shoulders was hard to bear. There are things we need to fix. But the most important thing is this historic Round of 32. We’re going to savour this moment because it’s been tough.” He added, “All the guys — the substitutes, those who’ve worn the jersey before, and those who’ll wear it tomorrow — we should be proud. Thank you to all the Congolese people; it’s for moments like these that we do what we do.”
Head coach Sébastien Desabre praised the squad, stating, “We have to congratulate the players — they were the ones who were extraordinary. We’re a team that knows how to respond when we concede a goal; we keep fighting with determination. We were a little more offensive today, and I’m glad everyone could see that we’re capable of scoring goals. That’s great. I have to congratulate my coaching staff as well; we’re really proud and happy for all Congolese people.”
Uzbekistan’s head coach Fabio Cannavaro reflected on the match: “The first half we did an amazing performance, we prepared the game in this way. I knew we spent a lot of energy, I knew we were running too much, and I was afraid for the second half. I tried to push them at half time but of course at this level if we make small mistakes — what I said against Colombia, against Portugal — you pay too much. Of course this World Cup for us is some experience, I’m proud because even if they suffered they showed what they can do.”
Congo’s qualification to the round of 32 sets up a match against England on 1 July in Atlanta. The win also marks the first time the Leopards have reached the knockout stage in their 48‑team World Cup history. The team’s previous appearance was in 1974, when they were known as Zaire, and they were eliminated after three defeats.
The match is part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, which is being held across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Group K also includes Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. The tournament began on 11 June 2026 and will conclude on 19 July 2026.
Congo’s progress underscores the growing competitiveness of African teams in the World Cup, while Uzbekistan’s elimination highlights the challenges faced by debutant nations. The next round will see England and Congo face off, a match that will determine whether Congo can build on its historic achievement.
The 2026 World Cup continues to showcase emerging talent and unexpected results, with the DR Congo’s comeback victory serving as a notable example of resilience and skill on the world stage.
