RD Kongo secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 after a 3-1 comeback victory against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on Sunday, June 28. According to CNN Indonesia, the win earns the Congolese side four points, placing them at the top of the third-place team rankings and leaving only one qualifying slot available for the final eight teams.
How did RD Kongo secure their World Cup advancement?
The Congolese team overcame an early deficit to claim the victory. Uzbekistan took an initial lead in the first half through a goal by Eldor Shomurodov. However, RD Kongo shifted the momentum during the second half, scoring three unanswered goals in the final 25 minutes of play.
Yoane Wissa scored twice for RD Kongo, while Fiston Mayele added a third goal to finalize the 3-1 scoreline. This late-game surge allowed RD Kongo to collect three points, bringing their total to four and ensuring their progression to the next stage of the tournament.
RD Kongo’s comeback was completed entirely within the last quarter of the match.
What is the current standing of the best third-place teams?
With RD Kongo’s victory, they have moved to the top of the leaderboard for the best third-place finishers. While several teams are tied on points, RD Kongo holds the advantage due to a superior goal difference.
According to the standings reported by CNN Indonesia, the following teams are currently competing for the remaining slots in the Round of 32:
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RD Kongo | 4 |
| 2 | Swedia | 4 |
| 3 | Ghana | 4 |
| 4 | Ekuador | 4 |
| 5 | Bosnia & Herzegovina | 4 |
| 6 | Paraguay | 4 |
| 7 | Senegal | 3 |
| 8 | Iran | 3 |
| 9 | Korea Selatan | 3 |
| 10 | Aljazair | 3 |
| 11 | Skotlandia | 3 |
| 12 | Uruguay | 2 |
The data shows that RD Kongo leads the group with a +1 goal difference, which distinguishes them from other teams currently sitting on four points.
What happens next for Iran and the final qualifying slot?
The tournament’s mathematical complexity leaves the final slot in the top eight third-place teams in flux. Korea Selatan has been officially eliminated from contention following the results in Atlanta. Iran currently occupies the eighth and final position with 3 points, but their advancement depends entirely on the outcome of the match between Aljazair and Austria.
The Aljazair vs. Austria Scenarios
According to CNN Indonesia, several outcomes will determine if Iran remains in the tournament:
- If Austria wins: Iran will automatically secure their position in the Round of 32.
- If Aljazair wins: Iran’s safety depends on the margin of victory. The report states that if Aljazair wins, Iran requires Aljazair to win by a margin of two goals or more to maintain their standing in the top eight.
- If the match ends in a draw: Both Aljazair and Austria will advance, which would result in Iran being eliminated from the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the match between RD Kongo and Uzbekistan?
RD Kongo won the match with a score of 3-1.
Is Korea Selatan still in the 2026 World Cup?
No, Korea Selatan has been eliminated following the recent match results.
How many third-place teams qualify for the Round of 32?
Eight teams from the third-place category qualify for the next round.
Who is the top-ranked third-place team currently?
RD Kongo is currently ranked first among the best third-place teams with 4 points and a +1 goal difference.
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