Key Facts
- DR Congo is in third place with one point, one point ahead of Uzbekistan, which is why this head-to-head group stage match will directly impact their chances of advancing to the knockout round.
- DR Congo remained competitive against Colombia for a long time, but the late 0–1 loss increases the pressure to win their final Group K match.
- Uzbekistan is coming off four straight losses, including a 0–5 defeat to Portugal, and is urgently seeking tactical stability under Fabio Cannavaro.
- No injuries have been reported for DR Congo; Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu are expected to bring pace and a counterattacking threat as the striking duo.
- A halftime draw seems statistically likely, as DR Congo has been tied at halftime in each of its last five matches.
- Under 2.5 goals is supported by DR Congo’s compact defense and controlled pace, while Uzbekistan’s offense has shown little dominance recently.
When DR Congo takes the field again in Atlanta, it’s not just about three points, but about World Cup hopes with increasingly limited room for maneuver. Sébastien Desabre’s team earned respect with a 1-1 draw against Portugal but then suffered a 0-1 loss to Colombia. Under Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan has suffered two losses in Group K and needs a clear fresh start at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This match also carries special emotional significance, as Congolese fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga—who has become a symbolic figure of the campaign—is expected to be in the stands. On the field, the DR Congo sits in third place with one point, one ahead of Uzbekistan, so this match will have a direct impact on the knockout stage.
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- Date and Time: June 28, 2026, 1:30 a.m.
- Competition: World Cup (Group Stage – 3)
A draw at halftime fits the cautious start typical of both teams, while Under 2.5 goals is supported by DR Congo’s compact World Cup profile. “Both Teams to Score: No” also has its appeal, as Uzbekistan struggled to build early pressure and failed to score against Portugal.
DR Congo Form & Record Check
DR Congo’s most recent match, a 0-1 loss to Colombia, was more frustrating than alarming. Desabre’s team remained competitive well into the second half, but the late goal forces them to play for a win in their final Group K match. The substitutions—including Simon Banza for Cédric Bakambu and Noah Sadiki at halftime—suggested a coach who continues to seek more incisiveness in attack. Across all competitions, the DR Congo has shown resilience but has often failed to produce enough results up front.
They drew 1-1 with Portugal in a performance that exceeded expectations, followed by a 0-0 draw against Denmark in a friendly, a 1-2 loss to Chile, and a 1-0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in the final of the intercontinental playoffs. Interestingly, their last five matches have all been tied at halftime, and that could prove significant here.
The DR Congo could line up in a 5-3-2 formation, with Lionel Mpasi-Nzau in goal and a back five built around Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, and Steve Kapuadi. With no injury-related absences reported, Sébastien Desabre is likely to continue relying on Ngal’ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, and Edo Kayembe as the core of his midfield, while Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa are expected to form the striking duo.
Uzbekistan Form & Record Check
Uzbekistan’s 0–5 loss to Portugal was the kind of result that can leave a tactical mark, especially since Cannavaro’s team was exposed early on and never regained control afterward. The substitutions at halftime, when Khozhiakbar Alizhonov and Akmal Mozgovoy came on, seemed as much about damage control as they did about adjusting the lineup. That’s exactly why the opening phase in Atlanta will be particularly important. It’s difficult to reliably assess their form across all competitions. Before the loss to Portugal, Uzbekistan lost 1–3 to Colombia in Group K, 1–2 in a friendly against the Netherlands, and 0–2 to Canada. The 0-0 draw against Venezuela, followed by a victory in a penalty shootout, at least showed that they can maintain their organization, but true offensive dominance has not been seen often enough so far.
Under Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan is likely to line up in a possible 3-4-2-1 formation, with Abduvokhid Nematov expected to start in goal. The back three could consist of Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, and Rustam Ashurmatov, while Odildzhon Khamrobekov and Otabek Shukurov will anchor the midfield. With no injuries reported, Abbosbek Fayzullaev should support Eldor Shomurodov on the attack.
DR Congo – Uzbekistan Head-to-Head & Statistics
There are no current head-to-head statistics available for this matchup.
