History Made! DR Congo's Stunning Revival Ends Uzbekistan's Fairytale Run
DR Congo Vs Uzbekistan Match Gallery, FIFA World Cup 2026: DR Congo produced one of the most memorable comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, rallying from a goal down to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and book a historic place in the Round of 32. Eldor Shomurodov gave the tournament debutants an early lead, but the Leopards dominated after the break. Yoane Wissa won and converted a penalty in the 68th minute to restore parity before Fiston Mayele completed the turnaround with a composed finish 10 minutes later. Wissa then struck again deep into stoppage time to seal victory and spark wild celebrations. The result secured DR Congo's first-ever World Cup knockout qualification, while Uzbekistan's impressive debut campaign ended in heartbreak after surrendering their advantage late on.
Uzbekistan supporters hold flags before the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Uzbekistan supporters cheer before the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Congo supporters cheer on their side prior to the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman
Uzbekistan players, left, and Congo players pause for a moment of silence for the victims of the Venezuela earthquakes prior to the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman
Starting Congo players pose for group photograph prior to the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman
Uzbekistan starting eleven pose for a team photo before during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi (1) calls for a flag during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Uzbekistan's Eldor Shomurodov (14) celebrates after scoring their first goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Uzbekistan's Eldor Shomurodov (14) celebrates after scoring their first goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Referee Felix Zwayer, of Germany, issues a yellow card to Congo's Nathanael Mbuku (7) as Congo's Chancel Mbemba (22) smiles while Uzbekistan's Dostonbek Khamdamov (17) and Abbosbek Fayzullaev (22) pause on the pitch during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman
Congo's Yoane Wissa (20) heads the ball during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Congo's Yoane Wissa (20) celebrates their first goal on a penalty kick during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Congo's Fiston Mayele (19) scores their second goal against Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov (12) during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Congo's Fiston Mayele (19) scores their second goal against Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov (12) during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Congo's Fiston Mayele (19) celebrates with Meschack Elia (13) after scoring their second goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Congo's Fiston Mayele (19) celebrates after scoring their second goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mike Stewart
Congo's Yoane Wissa (20) celebrates with teammates after scoring their third goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mike Stewart
Congo's Fiston Mayele (19) celebrates after scoring their second goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Photo: AP/Mike Stewart
Uzbekistan's Eldor Shomurodov (14) reacts as Congo celebrates their second goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman
Congo's Fiston Mayele (19) and Ngalayel Mukau (6) celebrate a win during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Congo's Samuel Moutoussamy (8) and Gedeon Kalulu (24) celebrate after the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Photo: AP/Mike Stewart
Congo players celebrate after the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Photo: AP/Mike Stewart
Congo players and staff pray after the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Photo: AP/Mike Stewart
Congo's Samuel Moutoussamy celebrates their third goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman
Congo's Samuel Moutoussamy (8) and Congo's Dylan Batubinsika (5) join other teammates in celebrating a win after the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman
Congo's Yoane Wissa (20) is fouled by Uzbekistan's Abdukodir Khusanov (2) during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman
Congo's Yoane Wissa (20) kicks for a penalty kick goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Erik S. Lesser
Congo's Nathanael Mbuku (7) celebrates after scoring a goal, that was call back after video review, during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, | Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman
Congo's Yoane Wissa (20) runs after the ball as Uzbekistan's Otabek Shukurov, right, and Rustam Ashurmatov (5) look on during the first half of the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman
Uzbekistan's Rustam Ashurmatov (5) and Congo's Cedric Bakambu, right, collide as they try to head the ball during the first half of the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman
Published At:
Tags