Can DR Congo Keep Their World Cup Dream Alive? DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Prediction | June 28, 2026
One of the decisive matches in Group K takes place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where DR Congo face already-eliminated Uzbekistan. The Africans still have everything to play for, while Uzbekistan will only be looking to end their historic debut World Cup campaign on a positive note.
- Also read: Can Colombia Make It Three Wins in a Row? Colombia vs Portugal Prediction | June 28, 2026
Match Preview
DR Congo have exceeded expectations in their return to the World Cup after a 52-year absence. They earned a valuable 1-1 draw against Portugal in the opening round thanks to Yoane Wissa's historic goal before producing another disciplined performance against Colombia. Although they lost 1-0, the Leopards remained competitive throughout, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi making six saves before Colombia finally broke through late in the second half.
Sebastien Desabre's side enters the final group match with one point and knows that only victory will keep realistic hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive. Expect another organized display built around defensive stability, with experienced players such as Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe forming a solid back line while Wissa and Cedric Bakambu provide the attacking threat.
- Expected DR Congo Lineup: Mpasi-Nzau, Masuaku, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka, Kayembe, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Bakambu, Wissa.
Uzbekistan's first-ever World Cup appearance has been a valuable learning experience despite disappointing results. Fabio Cannavaro's team opened with a respectable 3-1 defeat against Colombia before suffering a heavy 5-0 loss to Portugal, where defensive mistakes proved costly against one of the tournament favorites.
With qualification already mathematically impossible, Uzbekistan enters this match playing only for pride. Cannavaro is likely to focus on restoring defensive discipline after conceding eight goals in two matches rather than turning the game into an open contest. Eldor Shomurodov remains the team's biggest attacking weapon, while Abbosbek Fayzullaev can create danger on the counterattack, but the priority should be avoiding another heavy defeat.
- Expected Uzbekistan Lineup: Nematov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov, Khusanov, Nasrullaev, Shukurov, Karimov, Khamrobekov, Fayzullaev, Ganiev, Shomurodov.
Key Trends
- DR Congo have conceded just two goals in two World Cup matches despite facing Portugal and Colombia.
- The Leopards need only a victory to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.
- Uzbekistan have already been eliminated after losing both group matches.
- Uzbekistan have scored just one goal in the tournament.
- DR Congo have played with a compact defensive approach throughout the group stage, allowing very few clear-cut chances.
- A cautious tactical battle is expected, with neither side naturally suited to high-tempo attacking football.
Prediction
This match carries enormous pressure for DR Congo. Knowing that only three points matter, they are unlikely to take unnecessary risks early, preferring to control the game patiently while avoiding defensive mistakes that could ruin their qualification hopes. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, has little incentive to open up after the painful defeat to Portugal. Cannavaro's teams are traditionally well-organized defensively, and a compact setup seems the most logical response after conceding five goals last time out. Everything points toward a controlled, tactical contest rather than an entertaining shootout. DR Congo should have enough quality and motivation to edge the match, but their pragmatic style suggests they will prioritize securing the result over chasing a large winning margin. Recommended Bet: Under 2.5 Goals.
