DR Congo produced one of the most memorable comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overturning an early deficit to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and qualify for the knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history.
The Leopards recovered from a first-half setback with an outstanding second-half display, inspired by a Yoane Wissa brace and a crucial goal from substitute Fiston Mayele. The victory secured DR Congo a place among the tournament’s best third-placed teams, setting up a Round of 32 clash against England.
Uzbekistan made the brighter start and silenced the Congolese supporters after just 10 minutes when captain Eldor Shomurodov calmly finished from close range following a swift attacking move. The Central Asian side defended resolutely for the remainder of the first half, frustrating DR Congo despite the Africans enjoying more possession.
The momentum changed after the break as Sebastien Desabre’s side increased the intensity. Their persistence was rewarded in the 68th minute when VAR awarded a penalty after a foul inside the box. Brentford forward Yoane Wissa confidently converted from the spot to level the contest.
Just ten minutes later, substitute Fiston Mayele completed the turnaround. The striker latched onto a well-worked attacking move before firing beyond the Uzbekistan goalkeeper to give DR Congo a deserved 2-1 lead.
With Uzbekistan pushing everyone forward in search of an equaliser, DR Congo remained dangerous on the counterattack. Deep into stoppage time, Wissa sealed the historic victory by finishing another quick break to score his second goal of the match and make it 3-1.
The result marked DR Congo’s first-ever victory at a FIFA World Cup, more than five decades after their only previous appearance in 1974. It also confirmed their place in the expanded Round of 32, a remarkable achievement for a team that had entered the tournament as outsiders.
For Uzbekistan, the defeat brought an emotional end to an impressive debut World Cup campaign. Although they opened the scoring and competed bravely throughout the tournament, they finished the group stage without a victory and exited the competition.
DR Congo will now carry enormous confidence into the knockout rounds as they prepare to face England, hoping their remarkable comeback against Uzbekistan can serve as the foundation for another famous World Cup performance.
