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DR Congo Opens Group Stage Against Uzbekistan at 2026 World Cup
DR Congo and Uzbekistan played their opening match in the 2026 World Cup group stage at 7:30 p.m. EDT on June 27. Uzbekistan qualified as the first Central Asian nation to reach the finals.
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DR Congo and Uzbekistan began their 2026 World Cup group-stage match at 7:30 p.m. EDT on June 27. A moment of silence for victims of earthquakes in Venezuela preceded kickoff. Uzbekistan wore all-white kits and attacked from left to right, while DR Congo wore all-red kits and attacked from right to left.
In the third minute, DR Congo forward Wissa dropped deep, collected the ball and shot wide from range. The Guardian reported the sequence as DR Congo's first attack of the match. Uzbekistan qualified for the 2026 World Cup as the first Central Asian nation to reach the tournament.
Supporters gathered in public spaces to celebrate the qualification and display national symbols and traditions. The team is scheduled to begin its full World Cup campaign later in 2026. Politico noted that Uzbekistan cannot win the 2026 World Cup but has already drawn Washington's attention.
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CorroborationLimited · 5 sources
