DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: Leopards Score Three Late Goals To Reach Round Of 32

Greetings, we are back with another live blog, and this time it is DR Congo Vs Uzbekistan. Stay tuned for all the live updates from the crucial clash.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be telecast live on Unite8 Sports network on television. For live streaming, one can catch the action on the Zee5 app and website.

And we are underway in Atlanta! Uzbekistan get the ball rolling as the White Wolves waste no time settling into this crucial contest. The atmosphere is already building inside the stadium as both sides look to make an early statement.

A little bit of history behind the scenes as DR Congo settle into this must-win clash. Eight players have featured in all three group-stage matches for the Leopards so far, showing the trust placed in their core group. Only five teams at this World Cup, Curaçao, Ecuador, Germany, Netherlands and New Zealand, have had more players start every group game, with nine each.

But there is no room for rotation or looking ahead now. DR Congo know the equation in Atlanta: they need all three points tonight to keep their World Cup dream alive. The pressure is on from the opening minutes.

Uzbekistan strike first in Atlanta, and it is their captain who delivers the breakthrough! After coming close twice already, Eldor Shomurodov finally finds the net with a moment of pure brilliance.

A costly mix-up between Mpasi and Wan-Bissaka opens the door, and Shomurodov is ready to pounce. He receives a clever flick from Fayzullaev inside the box, then somehow squeezes a finish from the tightest of angles, lifting the ball over the goalkeeper and into the far corner.

A stunning piece of composure from the Uzbekistan skipper. That is goal number 45 for his country in his 96th international appearance, and the White Wolves have drawn first blood in this must-win clash.

DR Congo 0-1 Uzbekistan, the pressure is now on the Leopards.

Wait a moment in Atlanta, the Leopards thought they had found the equaliser through Nathanaël Mbuku, but the goal has been ruled out after review.

Mbuku’s stunning strike had briefly brought DR Congo level, but after a check from the officials, the decision has been overturned. Uzbekistan hold on to their lead, and the White Wolves can breathe again.

The Leopards continue to push forward, but they are still searching for that breakthrough.

Half an hour played in Atlanta, and neither side has managed to find the breakthrough they desperately need. The tempo has settled after a frantic opening, with both teams aware that every moment matters in this high-stakes battle.

The Leopards know nothing less than three points will keep their hopes alive, while the White Wolves need a victory, and a convincing one, to make up ground on goal difference. The pressure is building as the clock keeps ticking.

DR Congo look to build another attack, but Shomurodov steps in to break up the danger. The ball clips his hand in the process, and the referee quickly blows for handball. The Leopards get a free-kick in a promising area, but they fail to make the most of the opportunity as the set-piece comes to nothing.

The whistle blows in Atlanta, and the White Wolves go into the break ahead thanks to Shomurodov’s stunning opener. Uzbekistan lead in a FIFA World Cup match for the first time in their history, while the Leopards have 45 minutes to turn things around.

The White Wolves pick up the first booking of the second half as Sherzod Nasrullaev goes into the referee’s notebook. Uzbekistan will have to be careful now as they look to protect their narrow lead in Atlanta.

Shomurodov is feeling confident after that earlier piece of magic! The Uzbekistan captain tries another cheeky chip from distance, hoping to catch the goalkeeper off guard again, but this time it drifts over the crossbar.

After a finish like that first goal, who can blame him for trying? The White Wolves skipper is clearly backing himself.

A huge moment in Atlanta. Wissa goes down inside the box after being tripped, and the referee wastes no time pointing to the spot.

The Leopards have a golden chance to draw level now. The pressure is on Uzbekistan as DR Congo prepare for a massive penalty kick.

After winning the penalty, Wissa steps up and keeps his cool under immense pressure. The DR Congo forward sends Nematov the wrong way, calmly rolling his spot-kick inside the right post.

The stadium erupts as the Congolese fans celebrate a huge equaliser. Just moments ago they were staring at elimination, now their knockout-stage hopes are alive again.

The White Wolves had the lead, but the Leopards have fought their way back into this one.

DR Congo keep pushing, and Uzbekistan finally break. Elia races through on goal and sees his effort take a deflection, but Mayele is alert, reacts instantly, and pounces on the loose ball to fire home.

From behind at half-time to in front with just over 10 minutes left, the Leopards have flipped the script in Atlanta. The White Wolves are suddenly chasing the game.

Uzbekistan are running out of ideas as the clock ticks down. The White Wolves try to push forward, but a lack of communication sees a misplaced pass roll harmlessly out for a goal kick.

Apart from Shomurodov’s moment of brilliance earlier in the game, Uzbekistan have struggled to create much of a threat going forward. The Leopards are holding firm, just minutes away from a huge comeback victory.

It’s all over for Uzbekistan as DR Congo seal it in style. Elia keeps the attack alive down the left before finding Wissa, who takes a touch, shifts onto his right foot, and drills a low strike into the bottom corner from distance.

A brilliant finish, and that’s his third goal of the tournament, ice-cold when it mattered most.

The Leopards are roaring into the knockout stage, while the White Wolves are left stunned at the finish line.

Just before the drama of that third goal, the fourth official had already signalled eight minutes of added time. Plenty of time left on the clock, but DR Congo have made sure there’s barely any left to play with.

DR Congo completed a stunning comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and book a historic place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. After falling behind early, the Leopards roared back through Yoane Wissa's penalty, Fiston Mayele's go-ahead strike, and Wissa's stoppage-time clincher. The victory seals DR Congo's first-ever progression to the World Cup knockout stage, while Uzbekistan's dream debut ends in heartbreak after conceding three goals in the final 22 minutes.