World Cup 2026: DR Congo Beats Uzbekistan To Face England
Yoane Wissa scored twice as DR Congo rallied past Uzbekistan 3-1 to reach the World Cup round of 32 and set up a match with England (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
DR Congo staged a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta and secure a place in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Eldor Shomurodov gave Uzbekistan an early lead with the country’s first goal at a men’s World Cup, but Yoane Wissa equalized from the penalty spot before Fiston Mayele completed the turnaround. Wissa then scored his second goal of the night in stoppage time to confirm DR Congo’s first World Cup victory since competing as Zaire in 1974.
The result allowed Sébastien Desabre’s team to finish third in Group K and qualify as one of the eight best third-place sides. DR Congo will now face England in the knockout stage, while Uzbekistan leave their debut tournament without a point.
Shomurodov Punishes Early Defensive Error
Uzbekistan nearly made a perfect start when Shomurodov scored from close range inside the opening minute. The goal was immediately ruled out for offside, offering DR Congo an early reprieve.
However, Shomurodov would not be denied for long.
In the 10th minute, Abbosbek Fayzullaev flicked a long pass into the striker’s path following confusion between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Shomurodov reacted quickly, lifting a composed finish over Mpasi and into the net.
It was Uzbekistan’s first goal at a World Cup after defeats against Colombia and Portugal in their opening two matches.
DR Congo believed they had equalized eight minutes later when Nathanaël Mbuku drove a powerful long-range strike past Abduvokhid Nematov. A VAR review showed that Mbuku had caught Sherzod Nasrullaev with his arm before receiving the ball, and the referee overturned the goal after checking the pitchside monitor.
Uzbekistan reached halftime with a 1-0 lead, leaving DR Congo facing elimination unless they could reverse the match in the second half.
Wissa Starts DR Congo Comeback
Desabre introduced Mayele for Cédric Bakambu shortly after the restart, and DR Congo began creating more consistent pressure.
Wissa headed wide from an Arthur Masuaku cross before Abdukodir Khusanov presented DR Congo with a clear route back into the match. The Manchester City defender caught Wissa with a high, swinging challenge inside the penalty area in the 66th minute.
Wissa took responsibility for the resulting penalty and sent Nematov the wrong way to make it 1-1.
With qualification still dependent on another goal, Desabre made three further substitutions, bringing on Meschack Elia, Théo Bongonda and Ngal’ayel Mukau. The changes helped DR Congo increase the tempo against an Uzbekistan side struggling to escape its own half.
The decisive goal arrived in the 78th minute. Elia broke through the defence and saw his shot deflected into the path of Mayele, who reacted first and converted from close range.
Mayele’s goal moved DR Congo into a qualifying position and sparked celebrations among the team’s supporters in Atlanta.
Group K
| Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | 3 | +3 | 7 |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 3 | +5 | 5 |
| 🇨🇩 Congo DR | 3 | +1 | 4 |
| 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | 3 | -9 | 0 |
Wissa Seals Historic Victory
Uzbekistan attempted to respond, but Fabio Cannavaro’s side produced little attacking threat after falling behind. DR Congo remained on the front foot and continued searching for a third goal rather than protecting their narrow advantage.
Wissa delivered it in the first minute of stoppage time.
Elia kept the ball in play near the left touchline and found Wissa outside the penalty area. The Newcastle United forward shifted onto his right foot and drove a low shot into the bottom corner from approximately 20 yards.
The goal was Wissa’s third of the tournament and completed a memorable comeback for a team that had entered the match needing all three points.
DR Congo generated 2.35 expected goals compared with Uzbekistan’s 0.28, reflecting the African side’s control after the interval. Their qualification also gives supporters another major matchup to assess across soccer betting sites, with England awaiting in the round of 32.
Canadian readers following the tournament’s knockout phase can also consult RG’s World Cup 2026 Betting Bonuses in Canada page for available promotions and tournament offers.
For Uzbekistan, the defeat ended a difficult first appearance at the competition. Cannavaro’s team lost all three group matches and conceded 11 goals, although Shomurodov’s finish ensured the nation recorded its first World Cup goal.
DR Congo’s campaign continues against England, with a place in the round of 16 now at stake.
Credit: Source link