Kha Y Tran The DR Congo vs Uzbekistan match was one of the most exciting games in Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. DR Congo fell behind early. However, they fought back in the second half and won 3-1.
As a result, DR Congo reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan were knocked out after losing their lead.
Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_effg5dZWZc&list=PLBRLtDhTHh5o&index=29
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Result
Both teams entered the match under heavy pressure. DR Congo needed a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Uzbekistan also needed a good result to move forward.
Therefore, both sides started with high energy. Uzbekistan made the better start and scored after only 10 minutes.
Eldor Shomurodov finished a fast counterattack with a calm shot. His goal gave Uzbekistan a 1-0 lead and put DR Congo in a difficult position.
At that point, DR Congo were close to leaving the tournament. Still, they did not lose hope.
Instead, they kept the ball and tried to build attacks. However, Uzbekistan defended well during the first half. As a result, DR Congo struggled to create clear chances.
Uzbekistan Took Control Early
After scoring, Uzbekistan changed their approach. They dropped deeper and focused on defense.
At first, this plan worked well. Their defenders stayed close together. In addition, the midfield helped protect the back line.
Therefore, DR Congo found it hard to enter the penalty area. Uzbekistan also looked dangerous on the counterattack.
However, they could not score a second goal. That later became a major problem.
Although Uzbekistan led at halftime, the score was still only 1-0. Therefore, DR Congo remained in the match.
Shomurodov scored a spectacular goal to open the scoring for Uzbekistan in the 10th minute. (Photo: Reuters)
DR Congo Improved After the Break
DR Congo returned for the second half with more energy. They pushed higher up the pitch and moved the ball faster. Moreover, they attacked more often from the wings. This created more space in the middle.
As a result, Uzbekistan came under constant pressure. They started to defend deeper and made more mistakes. The key moment came in the 68th minute. Wissa was fouled inside the box. Therefore, the referee gave DR Congo a penalty.
Wissa stepped forward and scored. His calm finish made the score 1-1.
After that goal, the match changed completely. DR Congo gained confidence. In contrast, Uzbekistan started to lose control.
Wissa equalized 1-1 for the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 68th minute. (Photo: Reuters)
Mayele Put DR Congo Ahead
Only ten minutes later, DR Congo scored again. In the 78th minute, Fiston Mayele finished a quick team move inside the box. His goal gave DR Congo a 2-1 lead.
Mayele put the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 up in the 78th minute. (Photo: Reuters)
The African side deserved the goal. They had been the better team after halftime. Moreover, they were winning more duels and creating more chances. Uzbekistan now had to attack. However, this left space behind their defense.
DR Congo quickly used that space. In stoppage time, they launched another fast counterattack. Wissa finished the move in the 90+1st minute. Therefore, he completed his brace and sealed a 3-1 victory.
Wissa sealed a 3-1 victory for the Democratic Republic of Congo against Uzbekistan in the 90+1 minute. (Photo: Reuters)
Wissa Became the Hero
Yoane Wissa was the best player in the match.
First, he scored the penalty that brought DR Congo level. Then, he added a second goal in stoppage time.
However, his impact was not only about goals. Wissa moved across the attack and created space for his teammates.
In addition, he pressed the Uzbekistan defenders and forced them into mistakes. His energy helped DR Congo control the second half.
Mayele also played an important role. His goal gave DR Congo the lead and changed the game.
Meanwhile, the defense also improved after the break. Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, and Masuaku stayed strong and stopped Uzbekistan from creating clear chances.
Uzbekistan Lost Control
Uzbekistan played well in the first half. They defended with focus and used counterattacks well. However, their performance dropped after the penalty. The defense lost its shape. In addition, the midfield stopped protecting the back line.
As a result, DR Congo found more space between the lines. They also won more second balls. Shomurodov scored the opening goal. However, he became isolated later in the match.
His teammates could not give him enough support. Therefore, Uzbekistan failed to create a strong response after falling behind.
In the end, they paid the price for their second-half collapse.
The Democratic Republic of Congo advanced to the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup while Uzbekistan exited the tournament with three defeats. (Photo: Reuters)
A Historic Moment for DR Congo
The 3-1 win was a huge moment for DR Congo.
They finished the group stage with four points. Their record included one win, one draw, and one defeat.
As a result, they placed third in Group K. They also qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.
Most importantly, this was the first time DR Congo reached the World Cup knockout stage.
The result also affected South Korea. DR Congo’s win ended South Korea’s hope of reaching the next round.
Therefore, the victory was important not only for Group K but also for the wider tournament.
DR Congo Showed Strong Character
DR Congo’s comeback showed great mental strength.
They conceded early and faced the risk of elimination. However, they stayed calm and kept fighting.
The team also changed its style after halftime. They played with more speed and more confidence.
Moreover, they did not stop after scoring the equalizer. Instead, they pushed for a second and third goal.
That brave approach helped them earn a famous victory.
What Went Wrong for Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan started well but failed to manage the game.
First, they dropped too deep after scoring. This allowed DR Congo to control the ball.
Second, they missed chances to score again. Therefore, the one-goal lead was never safe.
Finally, they lost focus after the penalty. Their defense made several errors, while the attack created very little.
As a result, Uzbekistan lost a match they had once controlled.
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Final Score
DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan
Goals
- DR Congo: Wissa (68′ penalty, 90+1′)
- DR Congo: Mayele (78′)
- Uzbekistan: Shomurodov (10′)
Starting Lineups
DR Congo: MPasi, Masuaku, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Wan-Bissaka, Moutoussamy, Cipenga, Noah Sadiki, Bakambu, Mbuku, Wissa.
Uzbekistan: Nematov, Khusanov, Urozov, Ashurmatov, Alizhonov, Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Nasrullaev, Khamdamov, Fayzullaev, Shomurodov.
Final Thoughts
DR Congo produced a strong second-half comeback to beat Uzbekistan 3-1.
Although they fell behind early, they stayed patient. Then, they took control after the break.
Wissa scored twice, while Mayele added another goal. As a result, DR Congo made history and reached the knockout stage.
Uzbekistan, meanwhile, were left disappointed. They started well but could not protect their lead.
Overall, the match showed the value of belief, energy, and strong teamwork.
Read more:
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