DR Congo come from behind to defeat Uzbekistan and book a historic place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Fabio Cannavaro’s side finish bottom of Group K without a point after surrendering a second-half lead.
Match Report
History belongs to DR Congo.
The Leopards produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Their reward is a blockbuster knockout clash against England.
For Fabio Cannavaro, meanwhile, the tournament ends in disappointment. Uzbekistan finish bottom of Group K with three defeats from three matches despite leading for nearly an hour and dreaming of a historic qualification.
The Central Asians made the perfect start in the 10th minute when captain Eldor Shomurodov finished clinically to give Cannavaro’s team the lead. Uzbekistan defended with determination and looked on course to pull off a famous victory.
Everything changed midway through the second half.
DR Congo equalized in the 69th minute after Yoane Wissa calmly converted a penalty, shifting the momentum completely in favor of Sébastien Desabre’s side. The Africans sensed their opportunity and completed the turnaround nine minutes later when substitute Fiston Mayele fired home to make it 2-1.
With Uzbekistan forced to push forward, DR Congo struck again deep into stoppage time. Wissa completed his brace with a composed finish, sealing a famous victory and sending the Congolese players into celebration.
The Leopards now advance to face England in the Round of 32, with a potential meeting against either Mexico or Ecuador awaiting in the next round should they continue their historic run.
Match Report
DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan
Scorers: 10′ Shomurodov, 69′ Wissa (pen), 78′ Mayele, 90+1′ Wissa
DR Congo (4-4-2): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku (83′ Kayembe); Mbuku (72′ Elia), Moutoussamy (72′ Mukau), Sadiki, Cipenga (72′ Bongonda); Wissa, Bakambu (51′ Mayele).
Coach: Sébastien Desabre
Uzbekistan (3-4-3): Nematov; Khusanov, Ashurmatov, Urozov (82′ Sergeyev); Alijonov, Shukurov (59′ Hamrobekov), Mozgovoy (82′ Iskanderov), Nasrullayev; Fayzullayev (73′ Urunov), Shomurodov, Hamdamov (59′ Ganiev).
Coach: Fabio Cannavaro
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)
Booked: Sadiki, Mbuku, Moutoussamy (DR Congo); Khusanov, Nasrullayev (Uzbekistan)
Group K Final Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombia | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 7 | Qualified |
| 2 | Portugal | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 5 | Qualified |
| 3 | DR Congo | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 | Qualified |
| 4 | Uzbekistan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 8 | -7 | Eliminated |
Round of 32: DR Congo advance as one of the best third-placed teams and will face England. Uzbekistan are eliminated after finishing the group stage without a point.
