Uzbekistan's historic first FIFA World Cup campaign ended in the group stage after a 3-1 defeat to DR Congo in the final Group K match, leaving Uzbekistan without a point from three games.
Playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Uzbekistan made a promising start when captain Eldor Shomurodov opened the scoring in the 10th minute.
DR Congo equalized in the 68th minute after Yoane Wissa converted a penalty before Fiston Mayele put the African side ahead ten minutes later. Wissa added his second goal in stoppage time to seal a 3-1 comeback victory.
In the group's other decisive fixture, Colombia and Portugal played out a goalless draw, securing qualification for both teams. Colombia advanced as Group K winners with seven points, while Portugal finished second with five.
DR Congo claimed third place with four points and also progressed to the knockout stage as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams. Uzbekistan finished bottom of the group with zero points, ending its debut World Cup campaign.
Under the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup format, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams qualify for the knockout stage.
Uzbekistan made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time after securing a place at the expanded 2026 tournament. The team's participation marked the country's debut on football's biggest stage, while Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev and his officiating team were also selected to oversee multiple matches during the competition.
