FIFA World Cup 2026: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Match Preview, Team News, Predicted Lineups & Prediction

DR Congo Chase Historic Knockout Qualification as Uzbekistan Fight for Survival

DR Congo and Uzbekistan face off in a decisive FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K encounter with both teams still holding slim hopes of reaching the knockout stage. While the Leopards need a victory to boost their chances of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams, Uzbekistan must claim their first-ever World Cup points and hope other results go their way.

With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, both nations have everything to play for in Atlanta.

Match Preview

DR Congo enter their final group-stage fixture under pressure after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia. Although Sébastien Desabre's side once again proved difficult to break down, Daniel Muñoz's second-half winner left the African nation without a victory after two matches.

The Leopards began the tournament with an encouraging draw against Portugal before producing another disciplined defensive display against Colombia. However, their conservative approach limited their attacking opportunities, and they now require all three points to keep their World Cup dream alive.

A victory would significantly improve DR Congo's chances of progressing as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams, while an unlikely combination of results could even see them climb into second place in Group K.

Unlike their previous two matches, Desabre is expected to adopt a more attacking approach as his side look to record their first-ever World Cup victory.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, have endured a difficult debut campaign on football's biggest stage. After showing promise despite a 3-1 defeat to Colombia in their opening match, the White Wolves were heavily beaten 5-0 by Portugal, leaving them bottom of the group with a goal difference of -7.

Fabio Cannavaro's team still have a mathematical chance of progressing, but only a victory combined with favourable results elsewhere would keep their tournament alive.

The Asian side have struggled for consistency in recent months, losing four consecutive matches before the World Cup and continuing that disappointing run in North America. Their defensive problems have been exposed throughout the tournament, while scoring opportunities have also been limited.

Nevertheless, Uzbekistan possess several dangerous attacking players capable of causing problems if given space, making this an intriguing contest between two teams desperate for their first win.

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first-ever senior international meeting between DR Congo and Uzbekistan.

Team News

DR Congo

Head coach Sébastien Desabre is expected to make tactical changes with victory essential.

• DR Congo could switch from a back five to a more attacking four-man defence.

• Steve Kapuadi may make way for a more offensive setup.

• Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe are expected to partner in central defence.

• Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku should continue as full-backs.

• Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu will once again lead the attack.

The Leopards are expected to take greater attacking risks than in their previous two matches.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan have received a major boost with a fully fit squad available.

• Rustam Ashurmatov is expected to retain his place after recovering from injury concerns.

• Captain Eldor Shomurodov remains the team's biggest attacking threat.

• Abbosbek Fayzullayev will look to add to his World Cup goal tally.

• Fabio Cannavaro is unlikely to make wholesale changes despite the heavy defeat to Portugal.

The White Wolves must improve defensively while showing greater attacking ambition if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Players to Watch

Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
The Brentford forward remains DR Congo's biggest attacking threat and will be expected to deliver in a must-win match.

Cédric Bakambu (DR Congo)
The experienced striker is the highest-scoring player in the current squad and could prove decisive with his finishing ability.

Eldor Shomurodov (Uzbekistan)
The captain will carry Uzbekistan's attacking hopes as they seek their first-ever World Cup victory.

Abbosbek Fayzullayev (Uzbekistan)
The talented youngster has already found the net during the tournament and remains Uzbekistan's most creative attacking player.

Match Prediction

Both teams desperately need three points, which should make for a far more open contest than either has produced so far in the tournament. DR Congo have looked more organised defensively and possess greater experience at this level, while Uzbekistan have struggled to cope with high-quality opposition.

Expect the African side to take advantage of Uzbekistan's defensive vulnerabilities and secure a vital victory.

Prediction: DR Congo 2-1 Uzbekistan