DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds: World Cup 2026 Preview

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan | FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K | Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | TV: Fox Sports

• Group K Standings: Colombia (1st, 6 pts) | Portugal (2nd, 4 pts) | DR Congo (3rd, 1 pt) | Uzbekistan (4th, 0 pts)
• DR Congo form (last 5): W D L D W
• Uzbekistan form (last 5): L L L L D

Why This Game Matters

Both sides arrive in Atlanta knowing a defeat is almost certainly fatal to their World Cup 2026 ambitions. DR Congo sit third on one point and need a win to have any realistic chance of claiming the third-place berth that could still carry them into the round of 32. Uzbekistan, bottom of Group K on zero points and with a goal difference of -7, need a win and considerable help elsewhere to advance, but three points here would at minimum deliver the first World Cup victory in the nation’s history. The stakes are as clear as they are high: one side can dare to dream, the other goes home.

Our Pick

DR Congo to win at -115 (BetOnline) is the headline pick in what is a genuine must-win for both sides, though the Congolese enter with the more credible World Cup 2026 resume. The price makes DR Congo a marginal favorite, but their draw against Portugal and tighter defensive showing against Colombia give them a clear edge over a Uzbekistan side that has shipped eight goals in two games.

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: Preview, Picks & Betting Odds

This is a match defined by contrasting trajectories. DR Congo have shown they can compete at this level. Their 1-1 draw with Portugal was a genuine result, and the 1-0 defeat to Colombia was narrow enough to suggest they belong in the conversation. Coach Sébastien Desabre has assembled a side with genuine European pedigree, anchored by experienced campaigners like Cédric Bakambu and Premier League forward Yoane Wissa, who scored DR Congo’s first World Cup goal against Portugal.

Uzbekistan are making their World Cup finals debut in 2026, and the learning curve has been steep. A 3-1 loss to Colombia was followed by a 5-0 dismantling at the hands of Portugal, leaving Fabio Cannavaro‘s side with a goal difference of -7. Striker Eldor Shomurodov and midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who scored Uzbekistan’s first World Cup goal against Colombia, remain the creative outlets, but the defensive structure has been repeatedly exposed at this level.

Where this game is won or lost is likely in the midfield battle. DR Congo’s experienced European-based midfield should have enough physicality and organization to control possession and limit Uzbekistan’s ability to build through the lines. If DR Congo can get Wissa and Bakambu in behind an Uzbekistan backline that has been carved open at will, the result should follow.

Recent Form & Trends

DR Congo – Last 5 Results:

• Colombia (A) – Lost 0-1 (FIFA World Cup)
• Portugal (A) – Drew 1-1 (FIFA World Cup)
• Chile (N) – Lost 1-2 (Friendly)
• Denmark (N) – Drew 0-0 (Friendly)
• Jamaica (N) – Won 1-0 (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)

DR Congo’s World Cup 2026 form is respectable against the quality they have faced. Holding Portugal to a draw and losing narrowly to Colombia shows this is a side that is organized and difficult to break down. Their qualifying record of 7 wins from 9 games underlines that these players know how to win when it matters.

Uzbekistan – Last 5 Results:

• Portugal (A) – Lost 0-5 (FIFA World Cup)
• Colombia (H) – Lost 1-3 (FIFA World Cup)
• Netherlands (N) – Lost 1-2 (Friendly)
• Canada (A) – Lost 0-2 (Friendly)
• Venezuela (H) – Drew 0-0 (FIFA Series)

Uzbekistan have not won in their last five matches and have failed to keep a clean sheet in that run. The five-game winless streak heading into this match, combined with eight goals conceded in two World Cup games, tells a story of a side that has found the jump from Asian qualifying to the global stage extremely difficult. Their sole goal came from Fayzullaev’s strike against Colombia, a moment that highlighted the individual quality present but could not mask the structural issues.

Injuries, Suspensions & Roster News

No specific injury concerns or suspensions have been confirmed for DR Congo ahead of this fixture. Desabre’s squad features a settled core of Europe-based players, with attacking options including Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu, Meschak Elia, and Simon Banza providing depth across the front line. The squad is fully announced and there are no reported disruptions to the group ahead of the final group stage game.

For Uzbekistan, no injury or suspension news has been officially confirmed ahead of June 27. Fabio Cannavaro will need to make decisions about how to approach this match given the heavy defeat to Portugal, and whether to prioritize defensive solidity or push for the win that would deliver a historic first World Cup point or victory. Captain Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev are expected to continue as the attacking focal points.

Expected Lineups

DR Congo (4-3-3): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy, Mukau; Elia, Wissa (c), Bakambu

Uzbekistan (4-2-3-1): Nematov; Nasrullaev, Khusanov, Ashurmatov, Eshmurodov; Hamrobekov, Shukurov; Fayzullaev, Masharipov, Urunov; Shomurodov (c)

Predicted lineups – squads to be confirmed.

Key Matchup to Watch

Abbosbek Fayzullaev against Chancel Mbemba is the duel most likely to shape this game. Fayzullaev, who has four recent international goals and scored Uzbekistan’s only World Cup 2026 strike so far, is the most dangerous creator in the Uzbekistan setup and will look to find pockets of space between the lines. Mbemba, with 109 caps, is DR Congo’s most experienced defender and brings the kind of tournament-hardened reading of the game that should keep Fayzullaev in check. If Mbemba and the DR Congo backline can neutralize the main Uzbekistan threat early, a controlled Congolese win becomes increasingly likely as the game progresses.

Best Bets & Expert Picks

Main Pick: DR Congo to Win @ -115 (BetOnline). DR Congo have shown genuine World Cup 2026 quality in earning a point against Portugal and keeping Colombia to a single goal. Uzbekistan arrive having conceded eight goals in two games and without a win in their last five. The price is fair for a team with DR Congo’s recent pedigree against this level of opposition.

Goals Market: Over 2.5 Goals @ +102 (BetOnline). Uzbekistan have conceded eight goals in two group stage games and scored only one, while DR Congo found the net against both Portugal and Colombia. Goals look likely in a must-win game where Uzbekistan have to push forward and DR Congo have the attacking quality to punish them on the break. The +102 price on over 2.5 offers genuine value in a game where defensive frailty on the Uzbekistan side has been the defining trend.

Scorer Market: Yoane Wissa to Score Anytime. Wissa has already scored DR Congo’s first World Cup goal at this tournament and brings Premier League sharpness at Newcastle United into a game where DR Congo’s attack should find more space than in their previous two fixtures. He is their most direct attacking weapon and the likeliest Congolese scorer if the game opens up.

Value Pick: Uzbekistan to Score @ -145 (implied value at best available). Despite the heavy losses, Uzbekistan have scored in both World Cup group games and possess real individual quality in Fayzullaev and Shomurodov. A Both Teams to Score bet carries merit, given DR Congo’s own limited defensive steel was tested by Portugal and Colombia, and Uzbekistan’s attackers will be highly motivated in what is a historic final group game for the nation.

Betting Odds & Lines

Current match odds for DR Congo vs Uzbekistan across the three approved operators are as follows:

Outcome	BetOnline	Lucky Rebel	BetNow
DR Congo Win	-115	-119	-120
Draw	+285	+280	+310
Uzbekistan Win	+295	+295	+300

Totals line is set at 2.5. Best available over 2.5 is +102 at BetOnline. Best available under 2.5 is -101 at Lucky Rebel and BetNow.

How to Watch & Where to Bet

How to Watch

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan kicks off at 7:30 PM ET on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. In the United States, the match is broadcast on Fox Sports and Telemundo. Canadian viewers can watch on CTV, TSN, or RDS. UK audiences can find coverage on ITV or BBC, while Australian viewers should look to SBS or Optus Sport.

How to Bet

To place a bet on DR Congo vs Uzbekistan ahead of kickoff, follow these steps:

1. Choose from one of the approved operators: BetOnline, Lucky Rebel, or BetNow.
2. Navigate to the sportsbook’s website or download the mobile app.
3. Create an account or log in if you already have one registered.
4. Complete any identity verification steps required by the operator.
5. Deposit funds using your preferred payment method, including crypto options where available.
6. Search for “World Cup 2026” or navigate to the soccer/football section.
7. Locate the DR Congo vs Uzbekistan fixture under Group K, Matchday 17.
8. Select your market, confirm your stake, and submit your bet slip before kickoff.

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