DR Congo come from behind to reach the knockouts for the first time

DR Congo wrote a new chapter in their footballing history, recovering from an early deficit to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Trailing inside the opening ten minutes, the Leopards responded with character and quality to turn the game around, a Yoane Wissa brace leading the comeback. The win lifted them to a best-third-placed finish in Group K and sparked jubilant scenes — a landmark moment for a nation savouring its deepest run at the finals. For Uzbekistan, World Cup debutants, the defeat ended a spirited but ultimately short adventure.

Match summary: Wissa leads the comeback

Uzbekistan made the perfect start when Eldor Shomurodov struck on 10 minutes, silencing the DR Congo support. But the Leopards regrouped and grew into the contest, drawing level and then taking control. Yoane Wissa was the central figure, converting a penalty on 68 minutes before adding a second deep in stoppage time to seal it, with Fiston Mayele also on target on 78 minutes to complete the turnaround. The 3-1 scoreline reflected a second-half display of growing confidence and clinical finishing, as DR Congo overwhelmed a tiring Uzbekistan side and secured the result their ambition deserved.

A historic night for the Leopards

Reaching the knockout rounds is uncharted territory for DR Congo, and the manner of it — a come-from-behind win under pressure, with qualification on the line — made it all the sweeter. Sebastien Desabre's side showed resilience and belief, refusing to let an early setback derail them. Wissa's match-winning contribution will be remembered as the catalyst, but the performance was a collective triumph. For Uzbekistan, a first World Cup ends in disappointment, but the debutants leave with valuable experience and moments to build on. The night, though, belonged emphatically to the Leopards.

Group K shape: DR Congo through as a best third

The win lifted DR Congo to four points and third place in Group K, enough to advance among the best third-placed teams behind group winners Colombia and runners-up Portugal. Uzbekistan finished bottom and are eliminated. DR Congo's reward is a Round of 32 tie with England — a daunting test, but one this resilient side will relish after the high of reaching the knockouts. Whatever comes next, the Leopards have already made history, and their first venture into the World Cup's decisive rounds is a story to celebrate.