Congo DR 3–1 Uzbekistan: The Lions Roar Into the Last 32 to Face England

It wasn't always pretty, but it didn't need to be. Congo DR came into their final Group K fixture knowing a win was the bare minimum — and they delivered, beating Uzbekistan 3–1 to finish third in the group and advance to the knockout round. For a team that looked shaky earlier in the tournament, this was the statement they needed.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, leave Canada without a single point from three games. It's a harsh reality of World Cup football: the gulf between a first-time qualifier finding their feet and a side with genuine knockout ambitions.

How the Match Unfolded

Congo DR controlled the tempo from early on. Reports from the match suggested the Congolese side were the more assertive team, and the scoreline reflects that clearly. Leading 3–1 by the final whistle, they never truly looked like giving the result up once they'd established their foothold.

Uzbekistan grabbed a goal back at some point — credit to them for refusing to simply roll over — but the moment any momentum threatened to build, Congo DR had answers. Three goals in a World Cup group-stage game is no small thing. It bumped their goal difference into positive territory and, crucially, it was enough.

The Polymarket-implied probability heading into this fixture had Congo DR as the overwhelming favourite — essentially a certainty on that market. That kind of consensus doesn't always translate to the pitch, but here it did. The Lions earned it.

What It Means in Group K

Let's look at where Group K finished:

• Colombia — 7 pts (W2 D1), GD +3 — Group winners
• Portugal — 5 pts (W1 D2), GD +5 — Runners-up
• Congo DR — 4 pts (W1 D1 L1), GD +1 — Third place, advance
• Uzbekistan — 0 pts (W0 D0 L3), GD -9 — Eliminated

Colombia's group dominance was no surprise — they came in with quality across the pitch and delivered. Portugal's five points from three games looks underwhelming on paper given the talent at their disposal, but they go through comfortably as runners-up. Congo DR squeezing into third with four points is arguably the story of the group. They drew one, lost one, and then won when it mattered most.

As for Uzbekistan, a goal difference of -9 across three games tells you they were outclassed at this level. That's not a slight — reaching a World Cup is a genuine achievement — but the step up from Asian qualification to a group featuring Colombia and Portugal proved too steep.

Congo DR's Road Ahead: England Await

Reports confirm that Congo DR's reward for finishing third in Group K is a round of 32 matchup against England. That is, to put it plainly, an enormous ask. England will be heavy favourites, and rightly so. But Congo DR have shown enough over these three games — particularly in this final fixture — to suggest they won't simply roll over.

The Lions defended with conviction when they needed to and showed a clinical edge in attack. If they can replicate that defensive structure against England, they could stay in the game longer than most expect. Could they pull off one of the tournament's shock results? It's a long shot — but long shots are why we watch.

Uzbekistan: The Takeaways

Uzbekistan's World Cup 2026 campaign ends with three defeats and nine goals conceded. That's a tough read. But context matters: they qualified from a competitive AFC region, and the experience of playing on Canadian soil — in a tournament of this scale — is something this program can build on.

The gap between their level and Group K's top three was real, but Uzbekistan did score today. Small moments of quality did emerge. For a nation still developing its football identity, these three matches are part of a longer journey rather than the end of one.

Where Canadians Can Bet on the Round of 32

With the knockout stage now taking shape, Canadian sports bettors have plenty of action to look forward to — and legally, too, depending on your province. Whether you're in Ontario under the iGaming Ontario framework or betting through provincially regulated options out west, there are solid platforms to explore.

Two worth checking out as the tournament heats up:

As always, compare odds across books before committing — lines on a match like Congo DR vs England will vary, and getting the best number matters. Betting is meant to add a layer of engagement to the game, not replace your judgement.

FAQ

Final Word

Congo DR did what they had to do — no more, no less. A 3–1 win against Uzbekistan bought them a round of 32 ticket and a date with England that nobody outside their camp is backing them to win. But football doesn't always follow the script, and the Lions have earned the right to write their own chapter in this tournament.

Uzbekistan head home with three losses but with their first-ever World Cup experience in the books. That counts for something.

🎰 Please gamble responsibly. Must be 18+ (19+ in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec) to bet. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the ConnexOntario helpline at 1-866-531-2600 or visit responsiblegambling.org. Betting lines and odds referenced are for informational purposes only and do not constitute guaranteed outcomes.