South Korea concluded the group stage with three points, finishing third in Group A. Hong Myung-bo's team could only await results from other groups to contend for one of the eight spots reserved for the best third-placed teams.

South Korean forward Son Heung-min bites his jersey in disappointment after South Korea's 0-1 loss to South Africa in their final Group A match of World Cup 2026, played at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on 24/6. *Photo: AP*

Following Croatia's 2-1 victory over Ghana in Group L, South Korea's chances dwindled to 17,84%. To advance, South Korea required two conditions: the third-placed team in Group J had to perform worse, and DR Congo could not defeat Uzbekistan in Group K.

While the first condition remained pending, South Korea's hopes were quickly extinguished when DR Congo achieved their necessary result against Uzbekistan in Group K. The Central Asian team started with determination despite already being eliminated. In the 10th minute, Eldor Shomurodov capitalized on a defensive error, skillfully chipping the ball over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi to open the scoring for Uzbekistan. This marked the national team's first-ever goal in World Cup history.

Pushed by the need for a win to keep their hopes alive, DR Congo intensified their pressure after halftime. A pivotal moment occurred in the 66th minute when Abdukodir Khusanov committed an unnecessary foul on Yoane Wissa inside the penalty area. The referee immediately awarded a penalty to the African team. Wissa himself converted from the penalty spot, deceiving goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov to level the score at 1-1.

The equalizer energized DR Congo. After several missed opportunities, they completed their comeback in the 78th minute. Substitute Meschack Elia created a breakthrough before his shot was deflected. The ball found Fiston Mayele, who quickly slotted home from close range to make it 2-1. In injury time, Wissa scored with a long-range shot, sealing a 3-1 victory for the African side.

Fiston Mayele (19) scores the decisive goal for DR Congo against Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov in their 2-1 victory in Group K of World Cup 2026 at Atlanta Stadium. *Photo: AP*

The victory propelled DR Congo into the group of best third-placed teams, securing their spot in the round of 16 and completely extinguishing South Korea's hopes of advancing.

Hong's squad concluded the group stage with one win and two losses, accumulating three points. They failed to secure direct qualification as one of the top two teams in their group and also fell short in the race for a third-placed spot.

Even with faint hopes before their final match, coach Hong Myung-bo kept his players training at the Chivas Verde Valle center in Guadalajara, preparing for the scenario of advancing. Had they progressed from the group stage, South Korea would have faced Belgium in the round of 16.

However, DR Congo's comeback victory against Uzbekistan brought South Korea's World Cup 2026 journey to an end in the group stage. This outcome is considered a surprise, as Son Heung-min and his teammates were drawn into what was perceived as a manageable group alongside hosts Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic. South Korea began their campaign with a win against the Czech Republic but subsequently lost their remaining two matches.

By Hoang An