Results: Historic Comeback Sends DR Congo Into Knockout Stage

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup 28 June 2026 results: DR Congo fight back to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Match report, statistics, goals, reactions, and Group K standings.

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup 28 June 2026 Results

The DR Congo vs Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup 28 June 2026 results produced one of the most memorable stories of the tournament. DR Congo recovered from an early setback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta and book a historic place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Yoane Wissa inspired the comeback with two goals, while substitute Fiston Mayele added the decisive strike. The victory secured DR Congo’s first-ever FIFA World Cup win and their first qualification for the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s debut World Cup campaign ended with three defeats.

DR Congo Complete Stunning Second-Half Comeback

The match started perfectly for Uzbekistan.

Eldor Shomurodov gave the Central Asian side the lead in the 10th minute with a composed finish after breaking through the Congolese defence.

DR Congo pushed hard for an equaliser before halftime. Nathanaël Mbuku thought he had scored, but VAR ruled the goal out for a foul during the build-up.

Despite the disappointment, DR Congo remained patient and dominated possession after the break. Their persistence eventually paid off.

Wissa Delivers When It Matters Most

The turning point arrived midway through the second half.

Yoane Wissa calmly converted a penalty after Abdukodir Khusanov brought him down inside the area.

Only ten minutes later, Fiston Mayele reacted quickest to a loose ball and chipped the goalkeeper to complete the comeback.

Deep into stoppage time, Wissa fired home his second goal of the evening to seal an unforgettable 3-1 victory for DR Congo.

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Match Statistics

Final Score

DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan

Goal Scorers

• 10′ Eldor Shomurodov (Uzbekistan)
• 68′ Yoane Wissa (Penalty)
• 78′ Fiston Mayele
• 90+1′ Yoane Wissa

Match Stats

• Possession: DR Congo 63% – Uzbekistan 37%
• Total Shots: DR Congo 13 – Uzbekistan 3
• Shots on Target: DR Congo 3 – Uzbekistan 1
• Expected Goals (xG): DR Congo 1.74 – Uzbekistan 0.23
• Passing Accuracy: DR Congo 87% – Uzbekistan 75%
• Corners: DR Congo 2 – Uzbekistan 3

DR Congo controlled the second half and created far more opportunities. Their dominance eventually overwhelmed Uzbekistan’s defence.

Player of the Match

Yoane Wissa

The Newcastle United forward delivered exactly when his country needed him.

His penalty restored belief before his clinical stoppage-time finish secured a famous victory.

After the match, coach Sébastien Desabre praised his striker.

“For someone who started the season slowly, Wissa did well. We trusted him.”

The performance confirmed Wissa as one of the standout players in Group K.

Manager Reactions

DR Congo manager Sébastien Desabre immediately shifted his attention to the knockout stage.

“We’ll start working straight away on the match against England, be properly prepared and we’ll try to win it.”

Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro reflected on his team’s difficult tournament.

“The World Cup is brutal.”

Although disappointed, Cannavaro praised his players’ effort throughout their debut campaign.

What the Result Means

The victory transformed Group K.

Final Group K Standings

DR Congo progressed as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams and will now face England in the Round of 32.

Uzbekistan finish bottom of the group after losing all three matches.

Tactical Analysis

DR Congo changed their approach after halftime.

Coach Desabre encouraged his wing-backs to attack higher up the pitch. Consequently, Uzbekistan struggled to deal with the additional pressure.

The midfield controlled possession, while Wissa constantly threatened the defensive line with intelligent movement.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan found it increasingly difficult to keep hold of the ball. Their defensive organisation collapsed during the final 25 minutes.

Historic Night for DR Congo

This victory carried enormous historical significance.

DR Congo previously competed at the FIFA World Cup as Zaire in 1974. That campaign ended without a point or a goal.

More than fifty years later, the Leopards have rewritten their football history by recording their first World Cup victory and reaching the knockout stage for the first time.

What’s Next?

DR Congo remain in Atlanta to face England in the Round of 32.

Confidence within the squad continues to grow after one of the biggest victories in the nation’s football history.

England will start as favourites, but DR Congo have already shown they can compete with elite opposition.

Final Thoughts

The DR Congo vs Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup 28 June 2026 results delivered one of the most emotional moments of FIFA World Cup 2026.

DR Congo displayed resilience, belief, and attacking quality to overturn an early deficit and secure a deserved 3-1 victory.

For Uzbekistan, the tournament ends with valuable experience despite three defeats.

For DR Congo, however, history has only just begun.