FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group K — Matchday 3
Congo DR3–1Uzbekistan
Mercedes-Benz Stadium · June 27, 2026 at 11:30 PM UTC
Attendance 68239
Score & Timeline
Congo DR 4-4-2
Congo DR set up in a classic 4-4-2, with Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu leading the line. The midfield four of Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Cipenga, and Mbuku provided width and defensive cover. Full-backs Masuaku and Wan-Bissaka pushed forward to support attacks, but the team struggled to break down Uzbekistan's early compact block until the penalty shifted momentum.
Uzbekistan 3-4-3
Uzbekistan deployed a 3-4-3, aiming to control the midfield with Shukurov and Mozgovoy. The wing-backs Nasrullaev and Alijonov provided width, while Shomurodov led the line. After taking an early lead, Uzbekistan dropped deeper, inviting pressure. The midfield lost control in the second half as Congo DR's numerical superiority in central areas became decisive.
Congo DR's 4-4-2 matched up well against Uzbekistan's 3-4-3, with the central midfield duo of Sadiki and Moutoussamy able to outnumber Shukurov and Mozgovoy. Uzbekistan's wing-backs were often pinned back by Congo DR's wide midfielders, limiting their attacking output. The physicality of Congo DR's front two, Wissa and Bakambu, caused problems for Uzbekistan's back three, especially after the penalty.
Key Moments
Goal
Eldor Shomurodov finishes a swift counter-attack after a through ball from Akmal Mozgovoy, catching Congo DR's high defensive line off guard. Uzbekistan's early lead forces Congo DR to chase the game.
Yellow Card
Noah Sadiki is booked for a tactical foul in midfield, disrupting Uzbekistan's transition but limiting his defensive freedom for the remainder of the half.
Yellow Card
Abdukodir Khusanov is cautioned for a late challenge on Cédric Bakambu, reflecting Uzbekistan's increasingly desperate defending as Congo DR ramp up pressure.
Yellow Card
Nathanaël Mbuku is shown a yellow for a high boot, adding to Congo DR's disciplinary concerns but signaling their aggressive intent before halftime.
Yellow Card
Sherzod Nasrullaev goes into the book for a cynical pull-back, highlighting Uzbekistan's struggle to contain Congo DR's wide overloads.
Yellow Card
Samuel Moutoussamy is booked for a late tackle, a sign of Congo DR's midfield dominance but also a risk of being reduced to ten men.
Penalty
Yoane Wissa converts a penalty after a foul in the box, leveling the score and shifting the momentum decisively in Congo DR's favor.
Goal
Fiston Mayele capitalizes on a defensive mix-up, slotting home from close range to give Congo DR the lead for the first time.
Goal
Yoane Wissa completes his brace with a clinical finish from Meschack Elia's assist, sealing a dominant second-half performance.
Standout Players
Yoane Wissa
Congo DR
Scored twice (including a crucial penalty) and was a constant threat, finishing with 2 goals from 4 shots on target. His movement and composure under pressure were decisive.
Fiston Mayele
Congo DR
Came off the bench to score the go-ahead goal, showcasing sharp positioning and clinical finishing in a high-pressure moment.
Eldor Shomurodov
Uzbekistan
Scored the opening goal with a well-taken finish and was Uzbekistan's only real attacking outlet, but was isolated as the game progressed.
Samuel Moutoussamy
Congo DR
Dictated the midfield tempo with 401 completed passes (team-high), and his work rate (20 tackles, 7 interceptions) disrupted Uzbekistan's rhythm.
Abdukodir Khusanov
Uzbekistan
Despite the defeat, made 12 interceptions and 29 tackles (team-high), showing defensive resilience under constant pressure.
What This Means
Congo DR's comeback victory keeps their World Cup hopes alive, showcasing their resilience and ability to adapt after conceding early. The 57.6% possession and 19 shots underline their dominance, particularly in the second half. For Uzbekistan, the loss is a heavy blow — their early lead and disciplined first half were undone by a lack of depth and an inability to sustain pressure. The 16 fouls committed reflect their desperation, and with only 3 shots, their attacking threat evaporated after the opening goal. Group K remains wide open, but Uzbekistan must regroup quickly to avoid elimination.
Related Teams
This analysis is generated by AI based on ESPN match data.