The Democratic Republic of Congo reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history with a 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan in Atlanta, a result that also eliminated South Korea from contention as one of the best third-placed finishers. Yoane Wissa scored twice and Fiston Mayele added a second-half goal as the Leopards overturned Eldor Shomurodov’s early opener to secure a last‑32 meeting with England. DR Congo finished third in Group K behind Colombia and Portugal and advanced with four points, while Uzbekistan exited without a point.

Uzbekistan, in their maiden World Cup, stunned the largely Congolese crowd when Shomurodov chipped Lionel Mpasi in the 10th minute after a quick break. Seven minutes later, Nathanael Mbuku’s low strike appeared to have levelled the scores, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR check judged that his trailing hand had struck Sherzod Nasrullaev in the face during the build‑up. The Central Asians held firm to the interval, though DR Congo dominated possession.

The turning point arrived in the 68th minute when Abdukodir Khusanov bundled over Wissa inside the box. The Newcastle striker calmly stroked home the penalty. Ten minutes later, a deflected shot from Meschack Elia fell for Mayele to prod home from close range. Wissa then curled in a third from the edge of the area in stoppage time, unleashing celebrations among the near‑capacity Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. The result continued a strong group phase for African nations; commentators across the continent noted that DR Congo became the eighth side to reach the last 32, with only Tunisia eliminated by that stage.

For South Korea, the outcome was a brutal final blow. The Taeguk Warriors had ended Group A in third place with three points and a minus‑one goal difference, needing other results to fall their way. DR Congo’s victory dropped them out of the top eight third‑placed teams. South Korean outlets focused on the frustration of a campaign that had begun with a win over the Czech Republic before a loss to South Africa, and cameras caught head coach Hong Myung‑bo in visible distress as his side were held at bay.

The Leopards now face England, who topped their group under Thomas Tuchel, back at the Atlanta venue on 1 July. Coach Sébastien Desabre credited a four‑year building process and said his players’ character and quality had been decisive. Several of his squad compete in English leagues, lending the tie an extra familiarity. For a country whose only prior finals appearance, as Zaire in 1974, featured three defeats and a 9‑0 loss to Yugoslavia, the advance represents a profound redefinition of their footballing identity.