- This DR Congo vs Uzbekistan prediction article for FIFA World Cup 2026 breaks down form, key players, best odds and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The match will be staged at the Atlanta Stadium on Sunday June 28.
- Kickoff is at 2:30am EAT.
DR Congo’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 now rest on their final Group K encounter, where they will face a must-win Uzbekistan side in the early hours of Sunday.
Both teams head into this clash with a single objective: securing a place in the knockouts as one of the best third-placed sides. However, their journeys so far have been very different.
The Central Asian nation has lost both of its opening matches and remains without a point, while DR Congo hold a valuable point from their first two outings.
ALSO READ: Colombia vs DR Congo: Munoz strike sends Colombia into World Cup Round of 32
The Leopards, making their first World Cup appearance in nearly 52 years, began their campaign on a positive note by holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw. Yoane Wissa’s first-half header proved crucial in earning his side a share of the spoils at Houston Stadium.
Sebastien Desabre had hoped his side would replicate that performance in their second group match on Wednesday against group leaders Colombia.
However, their resistance was finally broken in the 76th minute when Daniel Munoz struck to send Colombia into the knockout stage.
Now, DR Congo know that nothing less than victory will do if they are to claim their first-ever World Cup win and reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
ALSO READ: Portugal vs Uzbekistan: Cristiano Ronaldo makes World Cup history in Portugal’s first 2026 win
On the other hand, Fabio Cannavaro’s men are clinging to a slim hope after enduring a difficult start to the tournament, with little to celebrate from their opening two matches.
Making their debut on the global stage, they began their campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Colombia before suffering a crushing 5-0 loss to Portugal, a match in which Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a brace.
As a result, Uzbekistan must also secure all three points to keep their qualification hopes alive and remain in mathematical contention.
What time does DR Congo vs Uzbekistan kick off?
The two sides will lock horns on Sunday, June 28, at Atlanta Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 2:30am East Africa Time.
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan team news
DR Congo have no fresh injury concerns. Captain Chancel Mbemba continues to marshal the backline, and that defensive resilience has kept them competitive in both group matches.
Wissa, who scored the equaliser against Portugal, is expected to lead the attack once again, while veteran Cedric Bakambu remains a dangerous presence as he edges closer to a personal milestone.
Uzbekistan are also at full strength, although two heavy defeats have dented confidence.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev remains their primary creative outlet and will be tasked with unlocking a Congolese defence that has looked far more organised than many expected.
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan predicted lineups
- DR Congo: Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Steve Kapuadi, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa.
- Uzbekistan: Abduvohid Nematov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Rustamjon Ashurmatov, Behruzjon Karimov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov, Aziz Ganiev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Eldor Shomurodov.
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan head-to-head record
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations. DR Congo are back on football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1974, while Uzbekistan are making their World Cup debut.
Both sides will be eager to stamp their authority on this historic encounter.
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan prediction and betting tips
DR Congo have shown they can compete with quality opposition, holding Portugal to a draw and narrowly losing 1-0 to Colombia.
Their recent friendly results were mixed, but their performances at the tournament have painted a far more encouraging picture.
Uzbekistan, meanwhile, have struggled badly. They are winless in their last five matches, have conceded eight goals in two World Cup fixtures, and their only goal came in defeat.
On paper, DR Congo appear the stronger outfit and should have enough quality to collect all three points.
However, Uzbekistan are far from pushovers and could still spring a surprise.
We expect an entertaining contest with goals at both ends as both sides chase a result that could define their tournament.
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Best bets odds on SportPesa
Looking for the best odds? SportPesa, the leading online gaming firm, offers a wide range of betting markets and instant payouts on selected wagers.
DR Congo are currently priced at 1.83 to win, while Uzbekistan are available at 4.10. A draw is valued at 3.95.
SportPesa has also introduced its instant payout feature, meaning if your selected team moves one, two, or three goals ahead, you can cash out instantly at favourable odds.
For instance, if DR Congo take the lead at any stage, their live odds stand at 1.41, while Uzbekistan ahead by a goal is available at 2.21, with additional options depending on whether either side goes two or three goals ahead.
Punters can also explore several other markets on SportPesa, including over/under goals and both teams to score, all available at competitive odds.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026