DR Congo Stun Uzbekistan 3-1, Reach Historic Round of 32

DR Congo produced a stunning comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and book a historic place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 for the first time in the nation's history. Inspired by a brilliant brace from Yoane Wissa and a crucial goal from substitute Fiston Mayele, the Leopards secured qualification as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

Also Read: Croatia Beat Ghana 2-1 to Reach FIFA World Cup Knockouts

Uzbekistan, already eliminated after two defeats, made a bright start in Atlanta. Eldor Shomurodov thought he had scored inside 20 seconds, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. The captain wasn't denied for long, however, producing a superb finish from a tight angle in the 10th minute to give the White Wolves a deserved lead.

DR Congo had a goal disallowed through Nathanael Mbuku before increasing their attacking intensity after the break. Uzbekistan nearly doubled their advantage when Shomurodov's delicate chip landed on the roof of the net.

The turning point arrived in the 68th minute when Yoane Wissa calmly converted a penalty to level the scores. Just ten minutes later, substitutes combined brilliantly as Meschack Elia's effort fell kindly for Fiston Mayele, who delicately lifted the ball over goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov to complete the comeback.

Wissa sealed the memorable victory in stoppage time with a composed finish from the edge of the penalty area, sparking wild celebrations among the Congolese supporters.

The victory sends DR Congo into the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time, where they will face England in the Round of 32 on 1 July.

Yoane Wissa earns the Superior Player of the Match trophy. ✨#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/GEripaN23Z

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 28, 2026

Player of the Match:Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)

After the match Yoane Wissa, DR Congo forward said,"I'm just one piece of the puzzle. Today was very tough — the weight on our shoulders was hard to bear. There are things we need to fix. But the most important thing is this historic Round of 32. We’re going to savour this moment because it’s been tough. All the guys — the substitutes, those who’ve worn the jersey before, and those who’ll wear it tomorrow — we should be proud. Thank you to all the Congolese people; it’s for moments like these that we do what we do. We did it!"