DR Congo vs Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 Tips - 28 June
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Group K tips for 28 June 2026. Picks, odds, form and team news from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.
- DR Congo face Uzbekistan in the Group K finale at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, kicking off at 02:30 SAST on Sunday 28 June.
- Uzbekistan are already eliminated after two heavy defeats, while DR Congo need a win and a Portugal loss to advance as a third-placed side.
- We back DR Congo to win and under 2.5 goals given the Leopards' defensive structure and Uzbekistan's diminishing motivation.
DR Congo's World Cup journey has been a story of grit and history, and they need one more result to keep alive any chance of advancing. Uzbekistan arrive at Mercedes-Benz Stadium already eliminated, their tournament over in all but name after conceding eight goals across two matches. The Leopards are the clear favourites here, and this is exactly the type of match Sebastien Desabre has been building towards. We see DR Congo winning in a tight, low-scoring affair.
The Pick Card
Prices from Hollywoodbets, Betway and Easybet. 18+. T&Cs apply.
| Selection | Bookmaker | Odds | Stake | Operator CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DR Congo to Win | Hollywoodbets | @1.90 | 2 Units | Bet here |
| Under 2.5 Goals | Betway | @1.75 | 2 Units | Bet here |
| Yoane Wissa Anytime Scorer | Easybet | @2.40 | 2 Units | Bet here |
The Form Line
DR Congo have been one of the stories of Group K, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 and refusing to be overawed. They held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in Houston on Matchday 1, with Yoane Wissa scoring a historic header to make it the Leopards' first World Cup goal in 52 years. Matchday 2 brought a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Guadalajara, a result that felt harsh on a Congolese side that competed well for long stretches. They arrive at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 1 point, needing a win and hoping Portugal slip up against Colombia simultaneously.
Uzbekistan made history simply by qualifying, becoming the first Central Asian nation to reach a World Cup, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev gave them a landmark moment by scoring the White Wolves' first ever World Cup goal against Colombia. The fairytale quickly turned difficult: Colombia came back to win 3-1 and Portugal then dismantled Fabio Cannavaro's side 5-0 in Houston, a scoreline that exposed serious defensive vulnerabilities. With eight goals conceded and elimination confirmed, Uzbekistan head into Sunday's match with nothing to play for except pride.
Head to Head
| Year | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| No previous competitive meetings between these sides. | ||
DR Congo and Uzbekistan have never met in competitive football before this fixture, making Sunday's match a genuine first-time encounter on the biggest stage. Both sides reached the 2026 World Cup via different paths and different continents, so there is no historical data to lean on here. Context and current form are the only reliable guides.
Team News
Yoane Wissa is DR Congo's standout threat and came into the tournament fully fit after missing the Africa Cup of Nations to recover from a knee injury. He started up front alongside Cedric Bakambu in the opener against Portugal and that partnership is expected to continue. Right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and experienced centre-back Chancel Mbemba provide a solid defensive spine, and midfielders Edo Kayembe and Samuel Moutoussamy are trusted by coach Desabre to control tempo. No fresh injury concerns have been confirmed ahead of this match, though lineups will be updated closer to kickoff.
Uzbekistan are managed by Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, who has built a tight-knit group around key Premier League and European-based players. Abdukodir Khusanov, Manchester City's centre-back, anchors the defence and will be determined to restore some pride after the Portugal thrashing. Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who scored the country's first World Cup goal, carries Uzbekistan's attacking hope in the final third, while Eldor Shomurodov leads the line. Exact lineup changes from Cannavaro are TBC, but rotation is possible given their group status.
Verdict
This match has a clear narrative: DR Congo need the points and Uzbekistan have nothing left to fight for in the standings. The Leopards have shown they can be organised and dangerous in transition throughout this tournament, and against a demoralised Uzbek side still licking their wounds from a 5-0 hammering, we fully expect them to get the win. A narrow 1-0 or 2-0 outcome looks most likely, making DR Congo to win and under 2.5 goals the core of our three-pick card, with Wissa as the value scorer option.
18+. Gamble responsibly. If gambling is becoming a problem, contact the SA Responsible Gambling Foundation on 0800 006 008.