Congo DR vs Uzbekistan: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | World Cup 2026

Congo DR vs Uzbekistan prediction: Group K reaches its final act at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Congo DR needing victory to reach the last 32 and Uzbekistan trying to rescue their debut World Cup campaign.

Match Details

Match Preview with Interesting Fact

Congo DR and Uzbekistan meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with third place in Group K on the line and both sides still clinging to World Cup 2026 knockout hopes. For Congo DR, the equation is clear: win and they can move into the race for one of the best third-placed spots. For Uzbekistan, only victory gives their debut campaign any chance of continuing.

Congo DR have competed well in patches but remain winless after two group matches. Sebastien Desabre’s side limited Portugal in their opener and then lost 1-0 to Colombia, a result that kept alive Desabre’s run of avoiding heavy defeats but left the Leopards needing more attacking ambition.

Against Colombia, Congo DR again used a back-five structure designed to frustrate and break quickly. The problem was that they looked limited in possession and not quite as secure defensively as they had against Portugal. They showed flashes after Daniel Muñoz’s 76th-minute winner, but the response came too late.

Uzbekistan have endured a difficult first World Cup. Their 3-1 defeat to Colombia contained moments of promise, but the 5-0 loss to Portugal badly damaged their confidence, goal difference and qualification prospects. Fabio Cannavaro’s side now need a win and help elsewhere to keep the dream alive.

The interesting fact is that Congo DR are still searching for their first World Cup win, while Uzbekistan are trying to claim their first ever point or victory at the finals. One side has the chance to create a historic moment in Atlanta.

Congo DR Team Analysis

Congo DR must find a better balance between discipline and attacking ambition. Their cautious approach has kept them competitive, but now the context demands victory. A point will almost certainly not be enough.

Desabre may therefore move away from the back five and use a back four, which could see Steve Kapuadi drop out. That would allow Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku to operate as full-backs, with Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe forming the central defensive pairing.

The midfield must be braver in possession. Noah Sadiki Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy and Edo Kayembe can give Congo DR energy and structure, but they need to connect quicker with the front three.

Yoane Wissa remains central because he is Congo DR’s only World Cup goalscorer, while Cedric Bakambu brings experience and a strong international scoring record. Theo Bongonda’s width and direct running could also be vital against an Uzbekistan defence that has been stretched badly in the tournament.

Uzbekistan Team Analysis

Uzbekistan’s first World Cup has been a difficult learning experience. The White Wolves showed courage against Colombia but were overwhelmed by Portugal, and they enter this fixture short on momentum.

Cannavaro’s side have not won in 90 minutes since March, and their recent sequence includes defeats to Canada, the Netherlands, Colombia and Portugal. They have scored only twice across their last 360 minutes, which underlines their attacking issues.

Eldor Shomurodov remains the captain, talisman and emotional leader. He has 44 international goals, but he has yet to score at this World Cup. If Uzbekistan are to trouble Congo DR, they need him to hold the ball, link play and bring Abbosbek Fayzullayev and Oston Urunov into dangerous areas.

Fayzullayev is Uzbekistan’s only World Cup goalscorer so far. His creativity, movement and ability to arrive between lines make him their best hope of breaking open the match.

Head-to-Head & Past Encounters

Congo DR and Uzbekistan arrive at this match from very different football backgrounds, but both are chasing a rare World Cup breakthrough. Congo DR have been competitive without finding the win they need, while Uzbekistan are navigating the pressure of a debut finals campaign.

There is no major World Cup rivalry between the teams, which makes the tactical context more important than history. Congo DR are the favourites because of their physical power, attacking experience and the fact that Uzbekistan have struggled defensively.

However, knockout pressure can make even a match between third-place hopefuls unpredictable. Congo DR must attack, and that could give Uzbekistan transition chances if the White Wolves stay composed.

Tactical Battle & Key Matchups

The central tactical question is whether Congo DR can turn a cautious tournament identity into a front-foot performance. If they keep too many players behind the ball, they may not create enough. If they overcommit, Uzbekistan can counter through Fayzullayev, Urunov and Shomurodov.

Wissa against Uzbekistan’s right side could be decisive. His pace, pressing and goal threat make him Congo DR’s most dangerous outlet. Bakambu’s movement through the middle will also test the White Wolves’ centre-backs.

Uzbekistan need midfield resistance. If Otabek Shukurov and Odiljon Khamrobekov are overrun, Congo DR can build pressure. If they settle, Uzbekistan can slow the game and frustrate the Leopards.

Set-pieces may also matter. Congo DR have aerial power through Mbemba, Tuanzebe and Bakambu, while Uzbekistan must avoid giving away cheap fouls around the box.

Injuries & Team News

• Congo DR: Sebastien Desabre may switch from a back five to a back four because Congo DR need maximum points.
• Congo DR: Steve Kapuadi could drop out if the Leopards move to a four-man defence.
• Congo DR: Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe are expected to start at centre-back.
• Congo DR: Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku could operate as full-backs.
• Congo DR: Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu should carry the main attacking responsibility.
• Uzbekistan: Rustam Ashurmatov featured against Portugal after being a doubt, suggesting Fabio Cannavaro has a fully fit squad.
• Uzbekistan: Eldor Shomurodov is expected to lead the line as captain.
• Uzbekistan: Abbosbek Fayzullayev remains Uzbekistan’s only World Cup goalscorer.

Predicted Lineups

Congo DR predicted lineup (4-3-3): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Bongonda, Bakambu, Wissa.

Uzbekistan predicted lineup (3-4-2-1): Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullayev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Shukurov, Khamrobekov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullayev, Urunov; Shomurodov.

Betting Tips

• Full-time result: Congo DR win.
• Both teams to score: Yes.
• Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals.
• Double chance: Congo DR or draw.
• Correct score: Congo DR 2-1 Uzbekistan.

Score Prediction

Goal.mu predicts: Congo DR 2-1 Uzbekistan.

Congo DR have been too cautious so far, but the need to win should force a more ambitious approach. Uzbekistan can trouble them if Shomurodov and Fayzullayev find space, yet the White Wolves’ defensive record and lack of momentum make this a difficult final group match. Congo DR’s greater attacking power should decide it.

Hot Stat

Congo DR are still chasing their first World Cup win, while Uzbekistan are still searching for their first point at the finals.

Final Analysis

Congo DR vs Uzbekistan is a pressure match between two teams whose World Cup campaigns are still alive but fragile. The Leopards need to take the initiative and finally turn competitiveness into victory. Uzbekistan need a response after the Portugal defeat and must show more defensive resistance.

The match should open up because both teams need more than a draw. Congo DR look better equipped for that kind of contest, especially if Wissa and Bakambu receive better service. Expect Uzbekistan to fight, but Congo DR to edge a tense, emotional Group K finale.