DR Congo Triumphs 3-1 Over Uzbekistan, Secures Historic World Cup Last 32 Berth

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has made history by securing a place in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, following a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory against Uzbekistan. The crucial Group K match, held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, saw DR Congo overcome an early deficit to register their first-ever World Cup win and qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in 52 years. Uzbekistan, making their debut as an independent nation in the World Cup, started the match with considerable intent. Their captain, Eldor Shomurodov, initially found the net after just 20 seconds, but the goal was disallowed for offside. However, Shomurodov wasn't to be denied for long, breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute with a delicate lob over DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, giving Uzbekistan a surprising 1-0 lead. DR Congo had an equalizer by Nathanaël Mbuku ruled out for a foul in the build-up in the 17th minute, leaving them trailing at halftime. The second half witnessed a spirited turnaround from the Congolese side, fueled by renewed urgency and a more attacking formation. The pressure finally paid off in the 68th minute when Yoane Wissa was fouled inside the penalty area by Abdukodir Khusanov. Wissa confidently stepped up and converted the penalty, sending the Uzbek goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov the wrong way to level the score at 1-1. This crucial goal shifted the momentum entirely in favour of DR Congo, marking the 600th successful spot-kick in World Cup history. The Leopards continued their relentless attack, and their efforts were rewarded just ten minutes later. Substitute Fiston Mayele, who had come on in the 51st minute, reacted fastest to a deflected shot from Meschack Elia, deftly flicking the ball past Nematov to give DR Congo a 2-1 lead in the 78th minute, completing the comeback. With Uzbekistan pushing desperately for an equalizer, Wissa sealed the historic victory in injury time. In the 91st minute, he curled a brilliant shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner, securing his brace and the 3-1 win for DR Congo. This goal brought Wissa's tournament tally to three. The victory ensures DR Congo's progression to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams in Group K, which also featured Colombia and Portugal. This achievement marks a significant moment for African football, as DR Congo joins eight other African nations in the Round of 32, a historic high for the continent. Their qualification to the knockout stages comes after a 52-year absence from such a stage, their previous World Cup appearance being as Zaire in 1974, where they exited in the group stage without a win. DR Congo will now face England, who topped Group L, in the Round of 32 on July 1 at the same venue, Atlanta Stadium. The Congolese head coach, Sébastien Desabre, expressed his team's readiness to prepare for the formidable challenge against England, noting that some of his squad members play in the English league and will assist in preparations for the big match. Uzbekistan, despite a valiant effort and a strong start, finished their debut World Cup campaign without a point, being eliminated from the tournament. The match statistics highlighted DR Congo's dominance in the second half, with 58% possession and 18 shots compared to Uzbekistan's three.

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