DR Congo Joins Colombia and Portugal in World Cup Round of 32

Posted : 28 June 2026

DR Congo booked its place in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after fighting back to earn a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in the final Group K match on Sunday.

Uzbekistan made the brighter start and took the lead in the 10th minute through captain Eldor Shomurodov. The early goal gave the Central Asian side hope of ending its campaign on a positive note, but DR Congo gradually took control of the contest.

The equaliser arrived in the 68th minute when Yoane Wissa converted a penalty to bring the African nation back into the match. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in DR Congo's favour as they continued to press for a winner.

Just 10 minutes later, Fiston Mayele completed the comeback by putting DR Congo ahead with a well-taken finish. Uzbekistan pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Wissa struck again deep into stoppage time to seal a 3-1 victory and confirm his team's qualification for the knockout stage.

In the other Group K fixture, Colombia and Portugal played out a goalless draw at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Although neither side found the breakthrough, the result was enough to send both nations through to the next round.

Colombia created the better scoring opportunities throughout the match but was repeatedly denied by Portugal's goalkeeper, who produced several important saves to preserve a clean sheet. Portugal relied mainly on counterattacks but struggled to convert its limited chances.

The draw ensured Colombia finished at the top of Group K with seven points from three matches after recording two wins and one draw. Portugal advanced in second place with five points, while DR Congo claimed the third qualification spot after finishing with four points.

Uzbekistan ended its World Cup campaign without a point after suffering a third consecutive defeat. Despite taking the lead against DR Congo, the side was unable to withstand the second-half pressure and exited the tournament at the group stage.

For DR Congo, qualification marks another significant achievement on the global stage. The comeback victory highlighted the team's resilience and attacking quality, with Wissa's brace and Mayele's decisive strike sending the Leopards into the knockout rounds with renewed confidence.

The three qualified teams will now await the conclusion of the remaining group matches to discover their opponents in the round of 32 as the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout phase begins.

DR Congo Joins Colombia and Portugal in World Cup Round of 32

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