DR Congo national football team produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Uzbekistan national football team 3-1, earning qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
After trailing early, the Leopards displayed tremendous resilience, with a late surge inspired by Yoane Wissa securing a vital victory that keeps their World Cup dream alive.
Already eliminated after losing their opening two matches, Uzbekistan entered their final Group K fixture determined to claim their first-ever World Cup points.
The Central Asian side thought they had stunned DR Congo just 20 seconds into the contest when Eldor Shomurodov found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
The early warning did not discourage Uzbekistan. In the 10th minute, Shomurodov made no mistake, racing onto a perfectly weighted through ball before calmly lifting his finish over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi to give Uzbekistan a deserved 1-0 lead.
The African side gradually recovered from the setback and began creating chances of their own.
An equaliser appeared to arrive in the 17th minute through Noah Mbuku, but the goal was ruled out after a foul in the build-up.
The match opened up as halftime approached. Uzbekistan nearly doubled their advantage when Jaloliddin Khamdamov delivered a dangerous cross that almost caught Mpasi off guard, while DR Congo came close through Cédric Bakambu and Chancel Mbemba, but neither opportunity found the target.
Uzbekistan carried their narrow lead into the interval after an entertaining first half.
The second half continued at a frantic pace, with both sides creating opportunities but struggling to convert.
The turning point arrived in the 68th minute when defender Abdukodir Khusanov brought down Wissa inside the penalty area.
The Brentford forward confidently stepped up and sent goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov Nematov the wrong way to level the score at 1-1.
Buoyed by the leveller, DR Congo pushed forward relentlessly. In the 78th minute, Simon Banza Mayele reacted quickest after a teammate’s shot deflected kindly into his path, firing home to complete the turnaround and give the Leopards a 2-1 advantage.
Desperate to avoid ending their campaign with defeat, Uzbekistan threw bodies forward in search of another equaliser, but their finishing deserted them.
Deep into stoppage time, Wissa delivered the decisive blow. Surrounded by defenders in the 91st minute, the striker showed superb composure before drilling a low finish into the far corner to complete his brace and seal an emphatic 3-1 victory.
The comeback victory lifts DR Congo to four points, enough to secure qualification as one of the best third-placed teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
For Uzbekistan, the defeat brings their maiden World Cup campaign to a disappointing conclusion. Despite showing attacking intent and taking an early lead, they leave the tournament without a point, while DR Congo celebrate a memorable passage into the knockout stage.
Credit Photo : FIFA
