DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Preview: Prediction, Team News & Expected Lineups 

DR Congo and Uzbekistan face off in a crucial Group K clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both sides still fighting for survival in the tournament. While the Leopards are chasing a historic place in the knockout stages, Uzbekistan are looking to salvage pride in their debut World Cup campaign.

Match Overview

DR Congo head into this encounter knowing that victory could be enough to push them into the round of 32, depending on other results. Despite showing moments of promise in the group stage, Sébastien Desabre’s side are still searching for consistency and have struggled to turn solid defensive performances into wins.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, have endured a difficult introduction to World Cup football. Under the guidance of Fabio Cannavaro, the Asian side have found goals hard to come by and have also struggled defensively against stronger opposition, leaving them bottom of the group heading into their final match.

DR Congo: Need for a Breakthrough

The Leopards have been competitive but frustratingly wasteful in key moments. Their defensive structure has often kept them in matches, but their lack of cutting edge in attack has cost them valuable points.

Sébastien Desabre is expected to push his side to be more adventurous in this decisive fixture, knowing that a draw may not be enough. DR Congo will rely heavily on their experienced attacking players to finally deliver in front of goal when it matters most.

Uzbekistan: Searching for a First World Cup Win

Uzbekistan’s tournament has been defined by resilience without reward. Despite showing effort and organisation, they have struggled to cope with the intensity and pace of elite opposition.

Fabio Cannavaro has encouraged his team to remain disciplined and use this final match as a learning experience, but they will also be eager to avoid finishing the competition without a point.

Team News

DR Congo are expected to make tactical adjustments, possibly shifting from a conservative back-five to a more balanced back four in search of attacking improvement.

Key players such as Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu are expected to lead the line again, providing pace and experience in the final third. Captain Chancel Mbemba remains central to the defensive setup.

Uzbekistan are likely to stick with a structured defensive system, with Eldor Shomurodov leading the attack. Creative responsibility may fall on Abbosbek Fayzullayev, who has been one of their brighter sparks in the tournament.

Predicted Lineups

DR Congo (possible XI):

Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Bongonda, Bakambu, Wissa

Uzbekistan (possible XI):

Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullayev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Shukurov, Khamrobekov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullayev, Urunov; Shomurodov

Prediction

This is expected to be a tightly contested match, but DR Congo’s slightly superior quality and greater attacking threat could make the difference.

Prediction: DR Congo 2-0 Uzbekistan

The Leopards may finally find the cutting edge they have been missing, while Uzbekistan could struggle once again in the final third.