DR Congo booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 for the first time after coming from behind to defeat Uzbekistan in their final Group K match. The African side produced an impressive second-half comeback to secure a 3-1 victory and finish among the best third-placed teams. The win earned DR Congo a last-32 meeting with England in Atlanta.
Uzbekistan make the brighter start
Uzbekistan began the match on the front foot and took advantage of a costly defensive mistake. Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka failed to deal with a loose ball inside their own half. Eldor Shomurodov reacted quickly, collected possession and calmly chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to give Uzbekistan an early lead.
The goal boosted Uzbekistan's confidence. They controlled much of the first half and continued to create dangerous attacking moves as they searched for a second goal.
DR Congo threaten despite falling behind
Although Uzbekistan dominated possession, DR Congo created the better scoring opportunities. The African side thought they had equalised, but the referee disallowed the goal after ruling a foul earlier in the build-up. The decision proved controversial as the infringement occurred in DR Congo's own half.
Nathanael Mbuku also came close when he fired a powerful effort that flashed just inside the near post. Despite trailing at halftime, DR Congo remained firmly in the contest.
Wissa inspires second-half comeback
DR Congo returned after the break with greater intensity and purpose. Their pressure finally paid off when Yoane Wissa won a penalty after Abdukodir Khusanov clumsily brought him down inside the penalty area.
Wissa stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick to bring his side level. The equaliser shifted the momentum completely in DR Congo's favour.
Mayele gives DR Congo the lead
DR Congo continued to attack after restoring parity. Meschack Elia's shot took a deflection inside the penalty area, and Fiston Mayele reacted quickest to the loose ball. The striker poked his effort past goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov from close range to complete the comeback.
Uzbekistan struggled to respond as DR Congo tightened their grip on the match.
Wissa seals historic qualification
DR Congo wrapped up the victory in stoppage time. Wissa collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area before drilling a precise shot into the far corner. His second goal of the match secured all three points and confirmed DR Congo's place in the knockout stage.
The victory marked a historic achievement as DR Congo reached the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. They finished third in Group K and will now face England in the Round of 32 in Atlanta.