DR Congo reach last 32 for first time: 3-1 win

DR Congo came from 1-0 down to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in the final round of Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reaching the last 32 for the first time in their history. At Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, DR Congo completed the comeback with three second-half goals.

DR Congo made a poor start. In the 10th minute, captain Eldor Shomurodov met Akmal Mozgovoy's assist to put Uzbekistan 1-0 ahead. DR Congo looked to have equalized in the 17th minute, but the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up involving Nathanaël Mbuku, and the first half closed with Uzbekistan 1-0 up.

Taking full control after the restart, DR Congo equalized in the 68th minute. Yoane Wissa stepped up to convert a penalty and make it 1-1. The Newcastle United forward's goal brought his team back into the game.

Seizing the initiative, DR Congo went ahead in the 78th minute. Substitute Fiston Mayele's goal made it 2-1. In stoppage time, it was Wissa again who finished the job; in the 90+1st minute, he turned home Meschack Elia's assist for both his second goal and the 3-1 final score.

The statistics underline DR Congo's overwhelming superiority, especially in the second half. DR Congo had 19 shots to Uzbekistan's four; in expected goals (xG), the figures read 2.35 to 0.20, and the big-chance count was 3-0 in DR Congo's favor. They also led possession with 58%.

After the match, officiated by Germany's Felix Zwayer, DR Congo finished third in Group K on four points and reached the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Back at a World Cup for the first time since 1974 (when they competed as Zaire), the side reached the knockouts for the first time and will face group winners England. Uzbekistan, who finished without a point, bowed out of the tournament.

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Image: World Soccer Talk