Uzbekistan World Cup Exit Described As Brutal By Cannavaro

Uzbekistan’s first World Cup campaign ended with three defeats, while DR Congo reached the knockouts with a dramatic comeback win in Atlanta. Fabio Cannavaro called Uzbekistan’s exit “brutal” after a 3-1 loss, while Sebastien Desabre’s side advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and earned a last-16 tie against Thomas Tuchel’s England.

Uzbekistan finished bottom of Group K without a point, conceding 11 goals and scoring only twice across defeats to Colombia, Portugal and DR Congo. The Central Asian debutants had already been eliminated before facing DR Congo, yet still threatened to sign off positively when Eldor Shomurodov struck in the 10th minute at Atlanta Stadium.

DR Congo overturned that deficit with three goals in the final 22 minutes, transforming their group prospects. Yoane Wissa equalised from the penalty spot on 68 minutes, Fiston Mayele lifted a clever finish over Abduvokhid Nematov 10 minutes later, and Wissa then added a stoppage-time third. That late goal secured qualification and extended Uzbekistan’s wait for a first World Cup point.

Cannavaro, who lifted the World Cup with Italy in 2006, highlighted the emotional toll on Uzbekistan’s squad after such a harsh introduction to the tournament. “The World Cup is brutal, he said. They gave everything? Yes. They are sad in the changing room. Wow, my friend, believe me. They suffer more than anyone in Uzbekistan.”

DR Congo’s progress created history for African football at this World Cup. They became the 11th African team to reach a World Cup knockout stage, and the fifth doing so for the first time in 2026, following Ivory Coast, South Africa, Cape Verde and Egypt. They had scored only once in their previous five-and-a-half World Cup matches before this decisive 10-minute burst.

Wissa’s display also carried strong historical significance. The Newcastle United forward now shares the record for most goals at this tournament by a player representing an African side, moving level with Ismael Saibari and Ismaila Sarr on three goals. Wissa also struck DR Congo’s first two World Cup goals, matching Abdelrahman Fawzi, who scored Egypt’s first two in 1934.

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Cannavaro defended the commitment of Uzbekistan’s players despite the heavy scorelines against Colombia, Portugal and DR Congo. “You think I’m not nervous, I’m not angry? I don’t feel good because I don’t like to lose. We made some mistakes, of course, but I cannot complain about my players. I will never complain about my players because I know, and I told you, you were in the press conference, and you know what I said the first day when we saw the draw.”

The head coach also urged long-term planning from the country’s football authorities if Uzbekistan hope to return to the World Cup stage within the next few decades. “We have to understand that Uzbekistan football needs to improve. Uzbekistan football needs to continue investing money in academies, investing money in youth players, because it’s the only way to try to have Uzbekistan in the World Cup in the next 20-30 years.”

Desabre turned his focus quickly to the last-16 clash with England after the final whistle. “We’ll start work immediately on preparing,” DR Congo’s coach said about the meeting with the Three Lions. “We’ve got a few players in the squad who play at clubs in the English league, so they will help us, but we’ll prepare in the best way we can for what is going to be a very big match for us.”

Desabre still encouraged DR Congo’s players to appreciate the country’s achievement before analysing England in detail. “I’d like to congratulate my players for their work. It’s a squad that’s been together for four years, and we have always kept on believing. The win means a lot to the country, and the victory was quite wonderful. It’s very positive, and we showed a good image of Congo.”

Uzbekistan now leave North America reflecting on a harsh but valuable debut experience, while DR Congo carry African hopes into the knockout rounds. The contrasting paths underline how thin the margins can be at a World Cup, with Wissa’s clinical finishing, Mayele’s composure and Cannavaro’s long-term warnings likely to shape future plans for both national teams.