Congo DR clinched a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group K.

The match took place on 27 June 2026 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group K. Both sides entered the encounter looking to secure three points to keep their World Cup campaigns alive.

How it unfolded

The opening minutes belonged to Uzbekistan. In the 10th minute, Eldor Shomurodov found the net with a left-footed strike from the left side of the box, directing the ball into the top right corner. The goal was set up by Akmal Mozgovoy, giving the visitors an early lead and putting Congo DR under immediate pressure.

The first booking arrived in the 21st minute when Noah Sadiki of Congo DR was shown a yellow card for a bad foul. Uzbekistan’s response came three minutes later, as Abdukodir Khusanov received a yellow card in the 43rd minute for a bad foul of his own.

Just before the half-time whistle, Nathanaël Mbuku (Congo DR) was booked in stoppage time of the first half (45'+5") for a bad foul, bringing the home side’s tally of cautions to two. The second half began with another caution, this time for Sherzod Nasrullaev of Uzbekistan in the 48th minute, also for a bad foul.

The midfield battle continued to heat up, and Samuel Moutoussamy (Congo DR) was shown a yellow card in the 62nd minute for a bad foul, raising the home side’s total to three cautions.

Congo DR’s response was swift. In the 68th minute, Yoane Wissa converted a penalty with a right-footed shot to the bottom right corner, leveling the score at 1-1. The penalty restored confidence to the home side and shifted the momentum.

Ten minutes later, Fiston Mayele extended Congo DR’s lead. He scored in the 78th minute with a right-footed close-range effort that finished in the top left corner, making it 2-1.

The final blow came in stoppage time. In the 90'+1 minute, Yoane Wissa struck again, this time from outside the box. His right-footed shot travelled to the bottom right corner, and the effort was assisted by Meschack Elia. The goal sealed a 3-1 win for Congo DR.

Standout performers

Yoane Wissa was the decisive figure, scoring twice – once from the spot and later from distance – and providing the attacking spark that turned the match around. His composure on the penalty and his long-range finish in added time highlighted his importance to Congo DR’s attack.

Fiston Mayele contributed the second goal for Congo DR, capitalising on a close-range opportunity to put his side ahead.

Eldor Shomurodov gave Uzbekistan the early lead with a well-timed shot, and his assist from Akmal Mozgovoy set the tone in the opening stages.

Match facts

  • Final score: Congo DR 3-1 Uzbekistan
  • Goals:
    • 10' Eldor Shomurodov (Uzbekistan) – assist Akmal Mozgovoy
    • 68' Yoane Wissa (Congo DR) – penalty
    • 78' Fiston Mayele (Congo DR)
    • 90'+1 Yoane Wissa (Congo DR) – assist Meschack Elia
  • Bookings:
    • 21' Noah Sadiki (Congo DR) – yellow card
    • 43' Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan) – yellow card
    • 45'+5' Nathanaël Mbuku (Congo DR) – yellow card
    • 48' Sherzod Nasrullaev (Uzbekistan) – yellow card
    • 62' Samuel Moutoussamy (Congo DR) – yellow card
  • Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

What it means

The result adds three points to Congo DR’s tally and leaves Uzbekistan with one point after this Group K encounter, keeping both nations in contention as the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage progresses.