DR Congo produced one of the most emotional comeback wins of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta to secure a place in the Round of 32. The result completed a historic night for the Leopards, who reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, while Uzbekistan’s debut campaign ended with three defeats. That achievement gives DR Congo a special place in FIFA World Cup history, especially after completing the comeback under major final-day pressure.
The match began with Uzbekistan showing far more confidence than their position in Group K suggested. Despite losing their first two games, they started sharply and stunned DR Congo in the 10th minute. Eldor Shomurodov opened the scoring with a composed finish, giving Uzbekistan a 1-0 lead and briefly creating hope of a dramatic final-day response.
DR Congo reacted quickly and thought they had equalised in the 17th minute through Nathanaël Mbuku, who struck brilliantly from inside the area. However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul in the build-up, leaving DR Congo frustrated and Uzbekistan still ahead. The disallowed goal changed the tone of the first half, with DR Congo pushing but struggling to find clean chances before the break.
At half-time, Uzbekistan led 1-0, but the qualification situation still favoured DR Congo if they could turn the match around. Sébastien Desabre’s side came out with greater urgency in the second half, increasing their tempo and pushing Uzbekistan deeper. Their pressure finally paid off in the 68th minute when Yoane Wissa converted a penalty calmly to make it 1-1.
That goal completely shifted the momentum. DR Congo became more aggressive, while Uzbekistan began to lose control defensively. In the 78th minute, Fiston Mayele gave DR Congo the lead with a clever finish, turning in a shot attempt from Meschack Elia to make it 2-1. Suddenly, the Leopards were on course for a famous qualification.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time. In the 90+1st minute, Wissa scored his second goal of the match with a curling finish from outside the area, sealing the 3-1 victory and sparking huge celebrations among the Congolese players and fans.
From a tactical perspective, DR Congo deserved credit for their second-half adjustment. They pressed higher, used substitutions effectively and created more pressure through wide areas. Uzbekistan started well and showed spirit, but they could not maintain their intensity after the interval.
The win moved DR Congo into the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, setting up a Round of 32 meeting with England. England reached that stage after a controlled 2-0 win over Panama, which secured top spot in Group L. Uzbekistan finished bottom of Group K with no points, but their early goal showed flashes of promise in an otherwise difficult World Cup debut. Group K had already been shaped by Colombia’s 0-0 draw with Portugal, which confirmed Colombia as group winners and Portugal in second place.