Khusanov returns early as Uzbekistan exit World Cup after DR Congo loss

DR Congo 3–1, group stage over

Uzbekistan are out of the 2026 World Cup. DR Congo beat your team 3–1 in Atlanta on Saturday evening, ending the campaign in Group K after a second straight defeat (2). The goal that kept the scoreline from a shutout still needs a name, and whoever scored it, it mattered. It means Uzbekistan did not leave their first World Cup without something on the board.

Khusanov heading back to Manchester

One man's early exit is another club's gain. Abdukodir Khusanov is on his way back to City after Uzbekistan's elimination frees him up before Enzo Maresca takes the reins (1). A small piece of good news buried in a tough weekend, your best defender back at Carrington sooner than expected.