Congo Stuns Uzbekistan 3-1 to Reach First-Ever World Cup Knockout Stage

2 hours ago

9068 posts

Congo Stuns Uzbekistan 3-1 to Reach First-Ever World Cup Knockout Stage/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Congo rallied from an early deficit to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secure its first-ever place in the World Cup knockout rounds. Two late goals from Yoane Wissa and a strike by Fiston Mayele completed the comeback and booked a Round of 32 showdown with England.

Uzbekistan’s Sherzod Nasrullaev (13) reacts to a loss during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)

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. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)

Congo World Cup Knockout Qualification Quick Looks

Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in its final Group K match.
Yoane Wissa scored twice, including a penalty.
Fiston Mayele netted the go-ahead goal.
Congo advanced to the Round of 32 for the first time in history.
The victory erased memories of Congo’s difficult 1974 World Cup debut as Zaire.
Congo will face England in the knockout stage.
Uzbekistan exited the tournament with three consecutive defeats.

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. (AP Photo/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. (AP Photo/Erik S.Lesser)

Deep Look

Historic Night for Congo

Congo completed one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, rallying from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secure the nation’s first-ever place in the knockout stage.

The dramatic victory in Atlanta transformed the country’s World Cup legacy, replacing memories of its only previous appearance in 1974—when it competed as Zaire and suffered three defeats, including a historic 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia—with a landmark achievement that sends Congo into the Round of 32 against England.

Leading the comeback was Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, who scored twice after halftime, while Fiston Mayele added the decisive goal.

“The weight on our shoulders was hard to bear,” Wissa said after the victory.

Early Setback Sparks Second-Half Revival

Congo entered its final Group K match knowing only a victory would likely earn advancement as one of the tournament’s best third-place finishers.

Instead, the African side fell behind in the 10th minute when Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov lofted a composed finish over the goalkeeper.

The early goal appeared to revive painful memories of Congo’s difficult World Cup history, but coach Sébastien Desabre’s squad refused to panic.

“We’re a team that knows how to respond when we concede a goal; we keep fighting with determination,” Desabre said.

After a nervous first half, Congo steadily increased the pressure following the break.

Wissa and Mayele Complete the Comeback

The breakthrough came in the 68th minute after defender Abdukodir Khusanov fouled Wissa inside the penalty area.

The striker calmly converted the penalty himself, sending goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov the wrong way to level the score.

Just ten minutes later, Congo completed the turnaround.

Mayele met a cross with a clever flick at the near post that slipped past Nematov, triggering emotional celebrations as substitutes sprinted from the bench to join teammates on the field.

Wissa sealed the famous victory deep into stoppage time, curling a precise finish into the bottom corner to make it 3-1.

The celebrations continued well after the final whistle as Congolese supporters sang and danced throughout the stadium.

“We’re going to savor this moment because it’s been tough,” Wissa said.

“All the guys — the substitutes, those who’ve worn the jersey before, and those who’ll wear it tomorrow — we should be proud. Thank you to all the Congolese people; it’s for moments like these that we do what we do. We did it!”

Historic Achievement for African Football

Congo entered the tournament with modest expectations after being grouped alongside Portugal and Colombia.

However, a valuable 1-1 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal earlier in the competition laid the foundation for Saturday’s breakthrough performance.

The victory makes Congo one of nine African nations advancing to the knockout stage in the expanded 48-team World Cup.

Desabre praised both his players and what the achievement represents for the country.

“It’s quite an achievement. We showed a good image of Congo,” he said.

The reward is a Round of 32 meeting with England, giving Congo an opportunity to continue one of the tournament’s most remarkable underdog stories.

Uzbekistan Exits Without a Victory

For Uzbekistan, its first World Cup appearance ended in disappointment.

Fabio Cannavaro’s team finished the tournament with three straight defeats despite taking the early lead against Congo.

The experience, however, could serve as a valuable stepping stone for the country’s developing soccer program.

“I hope this tournament will give us big experience. I hope this experience will give us more motivation for the future,” Cannavaro said.

While Uzbekistan heads home, Congo continues making history, having turned decades of disappointment into one of the most memorable stories of the 2026 World Cup.