Image: from ꜱᴘᴏʀᴛꜱ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ X @_mkverma
By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
The Democratic Republic of the Congo produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3,1 and secure a historic place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.
After falling behind early in the decisive Group K encounter, the African side responded with three unanswered goals to complete a memorable turnaround and continue its dream run at the tournament.
Uzbekistan made a brighter start and opened the scoring after just 10 minutes when Eldor Shomurodov found the net, putting the Central Asian side in control and briefly raising hopes of a first-ever World Cup knockout appearance.
DR Congo struggled to create clear chances before the break but returned from halftime with renewed determination and gradually took command of the match.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 68th minute when Yoane Wissa converted to bring the Congolese level and ignite celebrations among their supporters.
Momentum shifted completely in DR Congo’s favour, and just ten minutes later, Fiston Mayele completed the comeback with a composed finish that gave the African nation a crucial 2,1 lead.
As Uzbekistan pushed forward in search of an equaliser, DR Congo sealed the victory deep into stoppage time. Wissa scored his second goal of the night in the first minute of added time to complete a convincing 3,1 triumph.
The victory secured one of the greatest achievements in Congolese football history, sending DR Congo into the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time.
Their reward is a Round of 32 meeting with England on July 1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where they will attempt to continue one of the tournament’s most inspiring stories.
For Uzbekistan, the defeat marked the end of an encouraging debut World Cup campaign, despite their bright opening and early advantage in the decisive group match.