Congo DR came from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in this FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture, with Yoane Wissa proving decisive through goals at 68′ and 90’+1′ after Eldor Shomurodov had given Uzbekistan an early lead. A dominant second half turned the contest completely in Atlanta.
Uzbekistan made the sharper start and struck in the 10th minute when Eldor Shomurodov finished to put his side 1-0 ahead. It was a valuable early breakthrough in a first half where Uzbekistan defended with discipline and limited clear openings despite spending long spells without the ball.
Congo DR, though, gradually established control of the match. They finished with 57.6 percent possession, attempted 19 shots to Uzbekistan’s four, and kept pushing higher up the pitch as the second half developed. Their attacking pressure finally told in the 68th minute, when Yoane Wissa converted from the penalty spot to level the match at 1-1.
That equaliser changed the rhythm of the fixture. Uzbekistan, who had managed only one shot on target all night, found it increasingly difficult to relieve pressure, while Congo DR grew in confidence and attacked with greater fluency between the lines. The turnaround was complete in the 78th minute when Fiston Mayele found the net to make it 2-1, rewarding the home side’s sustained control after the interval.
Any lingering doubt over the result disappeared in stoppage time. Wissa struck again at 90’+1′, completing his brace and wrapping up a deserved 3-1 victory for Congo DR. It was the final touch on an impressive comeback, and one that reflected the balance of play across the second half.
Key performers
Wissa was the standout figure, not only because of his two goals at 68′ and 90’+1′, but because he provided the cutting edge Congo DR needed once the match opened up. Mayele’s 78′ goal was also a major contribution, arriving at exactly the moment Congo DR’s pressure needed a finishing touch. For Uzbekistan, Shomurodov’s 10′ goal gave his side an ideal platform, but they could not build on it.
From a tactical perspective, this was a match of patience from Congo DR. After falling behind, they did not lose their structure. Instead, they kept the ball moving, pinned Uzbekistan deeper, and steadily increased the volume of chances until the resistance gave way. Uzbekistan’s low shot count and limited attacking support underlined how much of the second half was played in Congo DR’s favour.
NerdSports Stat: Congo DR overturned a 1-0 halftime deficit despite Uzbekistan producing just one shot on target all match, while Congo DR generated 19 total shots and scored three times in a 23-minute spell from 68′ to 90’+1′.
This result gives Congo DR a significant three points in Group K and strengthens their position heading into the next round of fixtures. For Uzbekistan, the defeat leaves little margin for error going forward after another difficult outing. Congo DR will aim to build on this second-half display, while Uzbekistan must quickly find more attacking support in their next fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Congo DR: Yoane Wissa (68′, penalty; 90’+1′), Fiston Mayele (78′). Uzbekistan: Eldor Shomurodov (10′).
Congo DR 3 – 1 Uzbekistan.
Congo DR claimed an important three points in Group K and improved their standing, while Uzbekistan remained under pressure after another defeat.
Yoane Wissa was the standout performer with a brace, scoring the equaliser from the penalty spot at 68′ and adding the clinching goal at 90’+1′.
