'Hong Myung-bo's World Cup Elimination Confirmed': Uzbekistan Could Not Save South Korea... Fatal 1-3 Comeback Loss to Congo [World Cup Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

The South Korean national football team's false hope has ended. Having failed to finish among the top eight of the third-place teams, World Cup elimination is confirmed.

On the 27th at 5:30 p.m. (local time), the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in the final match of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean Cup Group K at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, USA.

With this result, Congo secured third place in Group K with one win, one draw, and one loss for four points, successfully advancing to the Round of 32. Uzbekistan remained in last place with three losses from three matches.

This also eliminated all possible scenarios for South Korea to reach the Round of 32. South Korea had hoped to rely on the results of Group J matches if Uzbekistan had drawn or won. However, with Uzbekistan suffering a painful comeback defeat, all possibilities for South Korea's advancement to the Round of 32 have completely vanished.

In the 10th minute of the first half, Uzbekistan scored the opening goal. Eldor Shomurodov (Basaksehir) shook Congo's net with a delicate chip shot.

South Korea narrowly avoided a major setback. In the 18th minute, Nandaniel Mbuku (Montpellier) struck the net with a left-footed shot, but after video assistant referee (VAR) review, a foul was called during the defensive breakthrough.

In the 24th minute of the second half, Congo balanced the match. Abdokodir Husanov (Manchester City) committed a foul, and Congo was awarded a penalty kick. The shot by kicker Wissa found the far corner of the right goal.

Congo finally turned the game around. In the 33rd minute of the second half, Piston Maole (Pyramid) rushed toward the goal and accurately aimed over the goalkeeper.

The decisive goal was also scored. Wissa found the far corner of the right goal with a delicate right-footed mid-range shot in the first minute of stoppage time in the second half.

Uzbekistan failed to chase down Congo until the end of the match. With this result, South Korea dropped to ninth among the third-place teams, confirming World Cup elimination.

The South Korean national team prepared for the Round of 32 by intensifying training at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico, their base camp.

Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) and Son Heung-min (LAFC) said after the Group A final match loss to South Africa, "Although the result is disappointing, we will wait for the results of other groups," refusing to let go of the faint hope. Coach Hong Myung-bo also said, "If we advance to the Round of 32 and the results are good, we will receive applause," gathering his resolve. Kim Jin-gyu (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) also burned with determination, saying, "If given a chance, I will headbutt and run like crazy."

However, South Korea's hope of reaching the Round of 32 completely vanished on the final day of the group stage. According to the Football Association, the national team plans to return to Korea via the United States.

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*This content was translated by AI.