DR Congo v Uzbekistan – World Cup result as Afrcian side complete stirring second-half comeback to set up England clash in last 32

DR Congo produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and punch their ticket to the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Two goals from Yoane Wissa and a crucial finish from substitute Fiston Mayele earned Congo the victory after the team suffered double disappointment early on in the match in Atlanta, Georgia.

After Uzbekistan's first-minute strike was ruled out for offside, Fabio Cannavaro's fast-starting side took the lead through Eldor Shomuradov's sublime lofted finish on 10 minutes.

Congo thought they had equalised five minutes later when Nathanael Mbuku smashed an effort into the top corner of the net, but VAR controversially intervened to alert referee Felix Zwayer to an incident earlier in the attack.

A stray hand from the goalscorer brushed the face of an Uzbek defender. The official decided it constituted a foul, and Mbuku's effort was chalked off.

Congo kept pressing forward, and when Newcastle United striker Wissa was crudely chopped down in the box by Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, Congo were given a golden opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot.

Wissa stepped up and buried the spot-kick to draw Congo level on 68 minutes. Then, 10 minutes later, substitute Mayele reacted quickest to a deflected shot from fellow sub Meschak Elia to flick home from close range and put The Leopards in front.

The scoring wasn't quite over, however, with Wissa producing a brilliant finish on the turn to put Congo 3-1 up and send their fans into wild scenes of celebration in the stands.

Congo's victory means they have secured qualification for the round of 32 as one of the top eight third-place finishers.

They're now set to return to the same stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, where their opponents will be Thomas Tuchel's Group L winners England.

It's all over, and DR Congo are through to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It's the first time they've ever progressed through the group stages of a World Cup tournament, and they did it with a hard-earned, come-from-behind win.

The second-half substitutions from head coach Sebastien Desabre were spot-on as the introduction of more pace and energy proved crucial in powering "The Leopards" to an historic victory.

They're partying in the stands in Atlanta, but DR Congo still have a little work to do. Mukau shoots from miles out and hits his shot over.

Moments later, Bongonda volleys an effort over the crossbar.

DR Congo be two goals clear, but they're still trying to add to their goal tally.

There will be EIGHT minutes of additional time at the end of this match.

As the clock ticks its way to the 90-minute mark, Wissa takes possession in the Uzbekistan box, turns and fires a superb low effort into the far corner.

Few expected him to shoot, and even fewer expected him to score, but that's exactly what he's just done.

It's a brilliant curling effort that leaves Nematov with no chance, and it's all but guaranteed DR Congo's place in the Round of 32.

Congo's super-sub is already on the scoresheet, and he's hungry for more.

The striker takes possession 25 yards out and whistles an effort narrowly past Nemakov's left-hand post.

The comeback is complete! After being a goal behind, DR Congo are now 2-1 up, and it's a brilliant piece of opportunistic finishing by Mayele, who latches onto a deflected Elia shot to poke the ball past Nematov and into the net.

It's game on in Atlanta!

DR Congo have pushed forward in search of an equaliser, and now they have one.

Wissa hasn't had a great night in front of goal, but he makes no mistake from the spot as he sends Nematov the wrong way.

It's 1-1, and to clarify, if Congo can go on to win this, they'll make it through to the knockout stages.

Wissa gets in front of Khusanov, who chops him down in the heart of the penalty area.

It's as clear a foul as you'll see, and DR Congo have a golden opportunity to equalise from the spot.

Mbuku cuts in and lets fly with a powerful shot that Nematov can only parry. The rebound is then whipped across the six-yard box, and Mayele somehow heads his effort down into the turf, and over the crossbar.

It's a huge chance, but the assistant's flag is up. Mayele was offside, and the goal wouldn't have counted anyway.