Uzbekistan ahead: 1-0 over DR Congo at break

DR Congo trailed Uzbekistan 1-0 at half-time in the final round of Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, DR Congo largely controlled the game but could not shake off the effects of an early goal conceded.

Uzbekistan made the brighter start. In the 10th minute, captain Eldor Shomurodov met Akmal Mozgovoy's assist to put his side 1-0 ahead. That goal left DR Congo in trouble despite their superiority on the pitch.

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. The first half turned physical, with bookings on both sides. Uzbekistan's Abdukodir Khusanov picked up a yellow card in the 43rd minute that rules him out of the next match through suspension.

The statistics highlight DR Congo's dominance. DR Congo enjoyed a clear edge in possession with 64%, led the shot count 4-2 and the expected goals (xG) 0.20 to 0.06. Yet that superiority did not translate into a goal, and neither side fashioned a clear big chance.

In a match officiated by Germany's Felix Zwayer, both nations are chasing a place in the last 32 for the first time in their history. DR Congo, who entered as favorites, now find themselves at a disadvantage; whether they can turn their possession into a goal in the second half will decide the match, while Uzbekistan will look to protect their surprise lead.

Image: Football Italia