Yoane Wissa struck twice as DR Congo came from behind to beat eliminated Uzbekistan in Atlanta and seal a spot in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage and a last-32 meeting with England on Wednesday.
Eldor Shomurodov had a goal ruled out inside the first 30 seconds before putting Uzbekistan on course for their first points at the finals with a deft angled lob after 10 minutes.
Nathanael Mbuku’s strike for the Leopards was contentiously disallowed for a foul in the build-up following a Video Assistant Referee check before the break, but Wissa equalised with a 68th-minute header and Fiston Mayele prodded in 10 minutes later to turn the scoreline around.
Newcastle forward Wissa added another in style during second-half added time, finding a far corner of the net with a low shot on the turn from outside the box.
How’s he done that 🤯
Eldor Shomurodov opened the scoring for Uzbekistan, and it was some finish. pic.twitter.com/sx9PSbUUL1
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 28, 2026
World Cup 2026: DR Congo confirmed team vs Uzbekistan
DR Congo starting XI: Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku, Nathanael Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Brian Cipenga, Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa
DR Congo substitutes: Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Steve Kapuadi, Dylan Batubinsika, Joris Kayembe, Gedeon Kalulu, Ngalayel Mukau, Theo Bongonda, Aaron Tshibola, Charles Pickel, Edo Kayembe, Gael Kakuta, Meschack Elia, Fiston Mayele, Simon Banza
World Cup 2026: Uzbekistan full line up vs DR Congo
Uzbekistan starting XI: Abduvohid Nematov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Jakhongir Urozov, Akmal Mozgovoy, Otabek Shukurov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Eldor Shomurodov
Uzbekistan substitutes: Utkir Yusupov, Botirali Ergashev, Farrukh Sayfiev, Umar Eshmurodov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Behruzjon Karimov, Avazbek Ulmasaliyev, Jamshid Iskanderov, Odiljon Xamrobekov, Ruslanbek Jiyanov, Oston Urunov, Azizjon Ganiev, Sherzod Esanov, Azizbek Amonov, Igor Sergeev
