Atlanta: DR Congo produced a sensational second-half comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday, scripting one of the biggest moments in the nation's football history by securing their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory and a place in the Round of 32.

With qualification hanging in the balance, the Congolese side recovered from an early setback to stun tournament debutants Uzbekistan, who had taken the lead through captain Eldor Shomurodov in the 10th minute.

The veteran striker calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi after being played through, giving the Uzbeks an ideal start and raising hopes of ending their maiden World Cup campaign on a high.

Despite trailing at the break, DR Congo dominated possession and intensified the pressure after halftime.

Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Yoane Wissa converted from the penalty spot after a handball inside the box, bringing the Africans level and igniting the largely Congolese crowd in Atlanta.

Momentum swung decisively in DR Congo's favour thereafter. Substitute Fiston Mayele completed the turnaround in the 78th minute, finishing clinically from close range after sustained attacking pressure.

Uzbekistan struggled to respond as fatigue and defensive lapses crept into their game.

Wissa then put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time, racing onto a through ball before calmly slotting home his second goal of the night to seal a famous 3-1 victory.

The win marked DR Congo's first World Cup triumph, coming 52 years after their only previous appearance at the tournament, when they competed as Zaire in 1974.

The result also ensured a historic passage to the knockout stage, where they will face England in the Round of 32.

For Uzbekistan, the defeat ended a memorable but disappointing debut World Cup campaign.

Fabio Cannavaro's side finished the group stage without a point despite showing flashes of promise, with Shomurodov's early strike ultimately proving to be only a consolation on a night that belonged to the Leopards.

The victory sparked emotional celebrations among DR Congo players and supporters, as the African nation achieved a landmark milestone on football's biggest stage.