Congo DR v Uzbekistan
Play By Play
DR Congo qualified for the knockout rounds of the World Cup after coming from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in a pulsating match in Atlanta. They nearly went behind after just a minute as Shomurodov found the net with a close-range finish, but he was adjudged to be offside. His other goal would stand however, as he gave Uzbekistan the lead with an incredible chip after a mix-up at the back for the African side. Mbuku thought he had equalised in the first half, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review which concluded that he had fouled Nasrullaev in the build-up. DR Congo would equalise in the second half from the spot, after Khusanov brought down Wissa, with the Newcastle forward dusting himself down to score. Mayele then crucially scored their second with a poacher's finish after Elia's shot was deflected into his path, while Wissa added the finishing touch in stoppage time after a brilliant effort from distance. Overall, DR Congo generated an xG of 2.35 compared to just 0.28 for Uzbekistan. The African side finish Group K in third place, and will now play England in the round of 32, while Uzbekistan are eliminated. That's all from me, thank you and goodbye!
FULL-TIME: DR CONGO 3-1 UZBEKISTAN
Bongonda chests the ball down inside the area, but spurns the opportunity as he fires over for DR Congo. Their supporters are enjoying these final few minutes, knowing their place is now secure for the knockout rounds.
It's one-way traffic from DR Congo as Mukau looks to add a fourth from distance, but he blazes his effort well over the crossbar. Uzbekistan are being run ragged and just want the final whistle at this stage.
Elia deserves credit for keeping the ball alive and picking out Wissa with the pass.
GOOOALLLL!!!!!! GAME OVER! DR Congo are heading to the knockouts! Elias keeps the ball alive from the left flank and finds Wissa. The Newcastle forward checks back onto his right foot and fires a low effort into the corner of the net from 20 yards out. Brilliant strike, and he now has three goals at this World Cup. DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan.
There will be eight minutes of added time for the second half.
Uzbekistan do apply some pressure after a spell of possession, but they end up losing the ball and any further momentum is halted after Wissa wins a free-kick. DR Congo are minutes away from getting the job done here.
Uzbekistan attempt to go forward but a lack of communication sees the ball trickle out for a goal-kick after a misplaced pass. Aside from the quality of Shomurodov, there has been barely any attacking threat from the side in this match.
After falling behind, Uzbekistan have still failed to reassert their authority in the match, and it's DR Congo that are dominating the ball and looking to add a third. Aside from a fast start, it's not been a particularly inspiring performance from Cannavaro's men. They have just not been at the races in the second 45.
Uzbekistan have conceded three goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, only Bosnia-Herzegovina (four) have conceded more in the 2026 World Cup. They are staring down the prospect of three defeats and no points from their group stage matches at the competition.
It's also time for DR Congo to make yet another substitution as Kayembe replaces Masuaku.
Cannavaro completes the double change as Mozgovoy is replaced by Iskanderov – they need a goal.
Uzbekistan make a change as Sergeev comes on for Urozov.
DR Congo have scored more goals in the last 10 minutes (two) than they managed in their first five-and-a-half World Cup matches (one). Their second half performance has been dominant in all departments, and they will now look to see this match out.
DR Congo have completed the turnaround and are heading into the knockout rounds of the World Cup as it stands. The substitutes have made a telling impact from the bench, with two of them combining for the goal. They need to hold onto this lead for the next 10 minutes, plus additional time.
GOOALLL!!!!!!! DR CONGO LEAD! Uzbekistan have been hanging on, and they now fall behind! Elia surges through on goal and attempts a shot which is deflected, with Mayele instinctively latching onto it and providing the finish! DR Congo 2-1 Uzbekistan.
Uzkekistan are back under the cosh after the break. Wan-Bissaka delivers a dangerous cross from the right, but Mayele can only head over the crossbar. He was under no pressure inside the penalty area, and that will down as a very good opportunity missed.
It's also time for Uzbekistan to make a change as Fayzullaev is replaced by Urunov.
Elia comes on for Mbuku as the African side complete the triple substitution.
Moutoussamy is also off for DR Congo, replaced by Mukau.
A change for DR Congo as Cipenga is replaced by Bongonda.
The match is finely poised as we begin our second hydration break. A chance for both sets of players to receive instructions before the last 20 minutes of normal time. DR Congo know that another goal will send them through to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
GOOOALLL!!!!!! Wissa wins the penalty and now scores from the spot! He sends Nematov the wrong way and DR Congo are right back in this one! DR Congo 1-1 Uzbekistan.
PENALTY TO DR CONGO! A cross comes in from the left and Wissa gets to the ball first, before being brought down by the swinging foot of Khusanov. It's a really poor challenge from the Manchester City defender, and the African side have a golden chance to equalise!
