Congo DR 3-1 Uzbekistan — World Cup

World Cup
Congo DR
3
Final
1
Uzbekistan
Full time

After 52 years of waiting, DR Congo did not just win their first World Cup match—they grabbed a ticket to the knockouts.

DR Congo fought back from an early shock to beat Uzbekistan 3-1, claiming their first World Cup win in history and a spot in the Round of 32.

Uzbekistan struck first. chipped Lionel Mpasi-Nzau in the 10th minute to give the debutants their first-ever World Cup lead. DR Congo had an equalizer disallowed by VAR, but they refused to fold. leveled from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. Ten minutes later, substitute Fiston Mayele beat the offside trap by millimeters to put the Leopards ahead. Wissa then sealed the historic victory in stoppage time after a defensive error. 's side is heading to the Round of 32, while 's Uzbekistan goes home empty-handed.

— and get this
Prior to this 3-1 victory, DR Congo had never won a single match across two World Cup appearances in 1974 and 2026.
's two goals took his tournament tally to three, extending his record as DR Congo's all-time leading World Cup goalscorer.
's opening goal was Uzbekistan's second-ever World Cup goal and extended his national record to 45 international goals.
This Group K clash in Atlanta was the first time in history that DR Congo and Uzbekistan have ever faced each other in international football.