Who will claim their first victory at the World Cup? Prediction for DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, June 28
On Sunday, June 28, the national teams of DR Congo and Uzbekistan will face off at the state-of-the-art Atlanta Stadium. This third-round encounter in Group K marks a pivotal moment for both teams in the tournament standings. For Fabio Cannavaro’s side, this match has become a farewell tour and a last shot at salvaging national pride after two painful defeats. For the African "Leopards," however, it’s all about making history and breaking through to the round of 16. The Congolese need nothing less than a win to guarantee a spot among the best third-placed teams—or even snatch second place if Portugal slips up.
Led by Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo has earned massive respect from pundits at this World Cup for their discipline and steely resolve. A sensational draw with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal (1-1) and a narrow, undeserved loss to powerhouse Colombia (0-1) have shown that the "Leopards" know how to tie the favorites in knots. Desabre will organize a compact midfield anchored by Samuel Moutoussamy, while the attacking thrust will rely on the lightning-fast partnership of Yoane Wissa and the experienced Cédric Bakambu. Expect the Congolese to avoid rushing things from the opening whistle, preferring to lure their opponents in before tearing them apart with athleticism and breakneck speed in vertical transitions.
Uzbekistan, under legendary Italian Fabio Cannavaro, is experiencing a harsh wake-up call on their World Cup debut. After a 1-3 opening loss to Colombia, the "White Wolves" were ruthlessly dismantled by Portugal, 0-5, killing off any playoff hopes due to a catastrophic goal difference. The team is plagued by systemic errors when switching from attack to defense, and star man Eldor Shomurodov has been left stranded up front, starving for service amid a lack of creativity in midfield. In their final match in the USA, Cannavaro will try to free up his side, demanding that Abbosbek Fayzullaev take charge on the flanks in hopes of bagging a few prestige goals before heading home.
The football drama in Atlanta promises a clash of motivations: one team fighting for tournament survival, the other simply seeking redemption in front of their fans. Expect Uzbekistan to play more openly, trying to control possession and create chances through positional attacks. For DR Congo, this scenario is a gift: the Africans will gladly cede the initiative, unleash aggressive pressing, and ruthlessly punish Uzbekistan’s exposed back line. The massive gap in physical preparedness, combined with the "Leopards’" mental toughness, will tip the scales in the second half. Desabre’s men will coolly convert their chances and seal a confident victory—paving their way to the knockout stage.
Lineups
DR Congo: Mpasi – Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku – Mukau, Moutoussamy, Kayembe – Bongonda, Bakambu, Wissa
Uzbekistan: Yusupov – Khusanov, Abdullayev, Ashurmatov – Karimov, Shukurov, Khamrobekov, Nasrullaev – Fayzullayev, Urunov – Shomurodov
Prediction
I expect both teams to deliver an entertaining, attacking game: we’re in for a thrilling and open contest. My prediction: total over (2) at 1.6 odds
