South Korea Eliminated World Cup 2026 Group Stage
Uzbekistan 1-3 comeback loss to DR Congo end South Korea chance to advance among third-place teams in World Cup 2026 group stage.
South Korea finish group stage with three points, third in Group A. Hong Myung-bo team wait for results from other groups to contest one of eight spots for best third-place teams.
South Korea forward Son Heung-min bite shirt in disappointment after South Korea lose 0-1 to South Africa in final match of Group A, World Cup 2026, at Monterrey stadium in Mexico, June 24, 2026. Photo: AP
After Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 in Group L, South Korea chance drop to 17.84%. To advance, South Korea need two conditions: third-place team in Group J has worse record, and DR Congo do not beat Uzbekistan in Group K.
While first condition pending, hope for South Korea die early as DR Congo do what needed against Uzbekistan in Group K. Central Asian team play with determination despite elimination. Minute 10, Eldor Shomurodov exploit defense error, chip ball over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, open score for Uzbekistan. First goal for team in World Cup history.
Uzbekistan first goal in World Cup
Forced to win to keep hope alive, DR Congo increase pressure after break. Turning point in minute 66 when Abdukodir Khusanov make unnecessary foul on Yoane Wissa in box. Referee award penalty to African team. Wissa trick goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov from spot, equalize 1-1.
Equalizer boost DR Congo. After missed chances, they complete comeback in minute 78. Substitute Meschack Elia make breakthrough before deflected shot. Ball find Fiston Mayele, forward quickly finish close range, make it 2-1. In stoppage time, Wissa shoot from distance, seal 3-1 win for African side.
Fiston Mayele (19) score to make it 2-1 for DR Congo against Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov in 3-1 win in Group K of World Cup 2026 at Atlanta stadium. Photo: AP
Win push DR Congo into best third-place teams to secure round of 32 spot, end South Korea hope. They become eighth African team in round of 32, after South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Cape Verde, Senegal, and Ghana. Only African team eliminated is Tunisia, while Algeria still have good chance to advance.
South Korea fifth Asian team eliminated after Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Qatar. Japan and Australia advance, while Iran wait for fate. Hong team finish group stage with one win, two losses, three points. They fail to get direct spot for top two teams and fail in wildcard race.
DR Congo comeback against Uzbekistan end South Korea journey at World Cup 2026 in group stage. Surprise as Son Heung-min and teammates play in group considered easy with host Mexico, South Africa, and Czech Republic. South Korea start with win against Czech Republic, but lose remaining two matches.
Meanwhile, DR Congo enter round of 32 to face England in Atlanta.
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