Atlanta, USA – The Democratic Republic of Congo wrote a new chapter in its football history, overturning a deficit to secure a valuable 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan. This came in their final group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With this victory, the Democratic Republic of Congo secured its place in the round of 32 in its first participation in the tournament.
The match began perfectly for the Uzbek team, who opened the scoring early in the tenth minute through Eldar Shomurodov. They finished the first half with a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, the Democratic Republic of Congo rallied. Yoane Wissa equalized in the 68th minute. Substitute Fiston Maiele then turned the tide of the match by scoring the second goal in the 77th minute, deflecting Meshack Elia’s shot into the net.
In stoppage time, Wissa sealed the victory for the “Leopards” by scoring the third goal. This secured his country’s win and led them to a historic achievement by qualifying for the Round of 32.
ملخص مباراة الكونغو الديمقراطية وأوزبكستان | دور المجموعات – كأس العالم FIFA 2026™#كأس_العالم2026 | #مونديال2026 | #كأس_العالم#beINWC26 | #FIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2NPT4NVLzL
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) June 28, 2026With this victory, the Democratic Republic of Congo finished the group stage in the best possible way, securing their place in the knockout rounds for the first time in their World Cup history. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan exited the tournament without a single win.
