Seattle, Jun 28 (V7N) – The Democratic Republic of Congo produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, sealing a place in the Round of 32 after overturning a first-half deficit.
The African side appeared to be heading for elimination after trailing 1-0 until the 67th minute. However, a dramatic 10-minute spell transformed the contest as DR Congo scored three unanswered goals to complete a memorable victory.
Uzbekistan dominated the opening half and took the lead before the break, putting DR Congo under immense pressure as the Congolese entered the second half needing a response to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The turning point came in the 68th minute when Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov fouled Iwan Wissa inside the penalty area while attempting to stop a cross. The referee immediately pointed to the spot.
Wissa calmly converted the penalty to level the score at 1-1, shifting the momentum firmly in DR Congo's favour.
Just 10 minutes later, the African nation completed the turnaround when a clinical finish gave them a 2-1 lead, leaving Uzbekistan struggling to recover.
As Uzbekistan pushed forward desperately in search of an equaliser, DR Congo struck once more on a swift counterattack deep into stoppage time. In the first minute of added time, Iwan Wissa scored his second goal of the match to seal a commanding 3-1 victory.
The dramatic win secured DR Congo's place in the Round of 32, while Uzbekistan's hopes of reaching the knockout stage came to an end despite their promising first-half performance.
The result marked one of the most impressive comebacks of the tournament so far, with DR Congo overturning a difficult situation to keep their World Cup dream alive.
END/SMA/AJ
