DR Congo made one of the most stunning comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, upsetting Uzbekistan 3-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to qualify for the Round of 32 for the first time in their history, Yankee Scores reports.
Shomurodov Shuts Up Atlanta
Uzbekistan got off to a great start thanks to skipper Eldor Shomurodov who put in a moment of pure class following a defensive mix-up between defenders of Congo.
Fayzullaev played him in cleverly inside the area and he squeezed a finish from the tightest of angles, lifting the ball over the goalie and into the far corner for his 45th international goal in his 96th appearance for his country.
For the first time ever Uzbekistan topped a FIFA World Cup match and looked destined to ruin Congo’s hopes of progressing.
History for Congo DR! 🇨🇩
Their first-ever @FIFAWorldCup win sees them qualify for the knockout stage for the first time 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ToSRsLTg0i
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 28, 2026
Wissa Sparks the Revival
Congo, already having created a buzz by holding Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their group opener, refused to give up.
Yoane Wissa scored from the penalty spot in the 68th minute before the tie was flipped on its head late on.
Nothing but good vibes from Congo DR 😄🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/Bugjp59Fco
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 28, 2026
The Leopards Pounce
Ten minutes later, Fiston Mayele put Congo ahead, flicking beyond Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov at the near post after Meschack Elia’s attempt was deflected.
Wissa then sealed a historic night for the Leopards with a curling strike into the bottom corner in additional time, capping off a spectacular individual performance.
History is Made
Congo qualified for the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after making their second appearance in the tournament in their history, 52 years after their last appearance in 1974 when the country competed as Zaire, per ESPN
Uzbekistan finished bottom of Group K and were knocked out without picking up a single win in the group stage.
England face Congo in the Round of 32 on July 2nd in Atlanta, with the reward for their historic achievement being a clash with one of Europe’s heavyweights.
