DR Congo Complete Comeback Against Uzbekistan to Book England Showdown
DR Congo produced a stunning second-half comeback to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secure a historic place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, where the Leopards will face England.
Uzbekistan made the perfect start in Atlanta as captain Eldor Shomurodov found the net in the 10th minute after an earlier effort had been ruled out for offside. The Central Asian side held their lead until the break and looked on course for a memorable result.
However, DR Congo turned the match around after half-time. Yoane Wissa levelled from the penalty spot before substitute Fiston Mayele fired the Africans ahead. Wissa then sealed the victory with his second goal deep into stoppage time, completing a memorable 3-1 comeback.
The victory marked DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup win and secured qualification for the knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history. The Leopards finished as one of the best third-placed teams in Group K and will now meet England in the Round of 32.
For Uzbekistan, the defeat ended a difficult debut World Cup campaign despite an encouraging opening spell against the Congolese side.
