Full Breakdown
DR Congo Secures Round of 32 with Comeback Win Over Uzbekistan
6/28/2026, 10:12:36 PM
Match Overview
On June 27, 2026, at Atlanta Stadium, the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3–1 after trailing 0–1 at halftime. The victory secured DR Congo’s first ever World Cup knockout-stage berth and set a last-32 clash with England.
Background & Context
DR Congo’s only prior World Cup appearance was in 1974 as Zaire, ending in three defeats and a 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia. In Group K, the team entered the final match needing a win after a 1–1 draw with Portugal and a 1–0 loss to Colombia.
Key Figures
Striker Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United) scored twice, including a penalty and a stoppage-time strike. Substitute forward Fiston Mayele added the third goal. Coach Sébastien Desabre guided the side, while Uzbekistan’s captain Eldor Shomurov and coach Fabio Cannavaro led the opposition. Defender Abdukodir Khusanov’s challenge produced the penalty.
Match Timeline
- 10´ – Shomurov lobbed over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi to give Uzbekistan a 1–0 lead.
- 68´ – Khusanov fouled Wissa; penalty awarded, Wissa converted to level.
- 78´ – Meschack Elia’s shot deflected, Mayele flicked the rebound past goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.
- 90+1´ (stoppage time) – Wissa struck from the edge of the box to make it 3–1.
Data & Statistics
DR Congo finished third in Group K with four points, behind Colombia (7) and Portugal (5). Expected goals were 2.35 for DR Congo versus 0.28 for Uzbekistan (RG). Possession shifted to DR Congo in the second half, and the team recorded 2.35 xG compared with Uzbekistan’s 0.28 xG.
Why It Matters
The win marks DR Congo’s inaugural World Cup victory and first progression to the knockout stage, contributing to a record eight African nations reaching the last 32. The result also sets a high-profile encounter with England.
Official Statements & Responses
Wissa described the match as a heavy burden that the team overcame. Desabre emphasized the squad’s determination to respond after conceding. Cannavaro acknowledged a strong first-half display but admitted fatigue and tactical errors in the second half.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts highlighted Uzbekistan’s defensive collapse after the break and the “soft” VAR decision that disallowed Nathanaël Mbuku’s equaliser, drawing criticism for inconsistent officiating. Cannavaro’s post-match comments noted the team’s reliance on long balls and lack of cohesion.
On-the-Ground Reports
The Atlanta crowd featured a large Congolese diaspora, whose singing and dancing continued long after the final whistle. Players celebrated across the pitch, with Wissa’s teammates joining him in a full-length run.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact timing of Wissa’s third goal, citing “stoppage time” versus “90+1 minute.” Expected-goals figures appear only in RG’s report; other outlets did not provide comparable metrics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The weight on our shoulders was hard to bear,” — Yoane Wissa, striker, DR Congo
- “We’re a team that knows how to respond when we concede a goal; we keep fighting with determination,” — Sébastien Desabre, coach, DR Congo
- “We have to congratulate the players - they were the ones who were extraordinary.” — Sébastien Desabre, post-match interview
- “If we don’t control the ball … you lose energy, you lose confidence,” — Fabio Cannavaro, press conference
What’s Next
DR Congo will face England at Atlanta Stadium on July 1 in the round of 32. Meanwhile, Colombia and Portugal advance as group leaders, while Tunisia remains the sole African side eliminated from the tournament.
