DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Lineups, Starting 11, Bench & Formation
(Atlanta)
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan lineups are yet to be confirmed for Group K Match 72 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The DR Congo national football team and Uzbekistan national football team meet on June 27, 2026, at Atlanta Stadium, with kickoff at 19:30 ET. This projected lineup tracker covers the starting XI, formations, bench options, managers, and late matchday updates. This DR Congo national football team vs Uzbekistan national football team lineups tracker stays projected until official match sheets arrive.
FIFA lists Congo DR vs Uzbekistan as Group K Match 72 at Atlanta Stadium, with kickoff at 23:30 UTC on June 27. Ticketmaster lists the local kickoff at 7:30 PM at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. DR Congo earned a 1-1 draw with Portugal earlier in Group K, while Uzbekistan entered the tournament under Fabio Cannavaro as a World Cup debutant. Official matchday lineups remain projected until both teams release their sheets.
Match Details
| Match | Group K, Match 72 |
| Kickoff | 27 JUN 2026 at 19:30 ET |
| Venue | Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta |
| Lineup Status | Projected, official match sheets yet to be confirmed |
| DR Congo Rank | FIFA #60 |
| Uzbekistan Rank | FIFA #57 |
| Managers | Sebastien Desabre and Fabio Cannavaro |
| Squad Status | FIFA schedule confirmed; official match sheets yet to be confirmed. |
Official DR Congo vs Uzbekistan lineups will arrive close to kickoff. The match details use FIFA schedule information, current squad announcements, ranking notes, and manager selection patterns. FWCTimes will update the card once official team sheets confirm starters and substitutes.
DR Congo are projected in a 4-2-3-1, while Uzbekistan are projected in a 3-4-2-1. The matchup should be shaped by midfield control, the first pass after turnovers, and how each coach protects space behind the full-backs.
Team News and Lineup Preview
The DR Congo national football team vs Uzbekistan national football team lineups preview focuses on squad status, tactical shape, and late team news before kickoff.
DR Congo Squad Status
DR Congo have a clear tournament identity under Sebastien Desabre. Chancel Mbemba leads the defensive line, while Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu give the attack direct routes after regains. The projected XI keeps the same compact 4-2-3-1 because Uzbekistan can punish loose central passes.
The projected DR Congo XI keeps the strongest available spine on the pitch. Desabre can still adjust one midfield role and one wide role if late training reports push him toward a safer balance. Official confirmation remains yet to be confirmed.
Uzbekistan Squad Status
Uzbekistan should lean on their back-three structure and midfield discipline. Abdukodir Khusanov gives Cannavaro a strong defensive anchor, while Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Eldor Shomurodov carry the main threat. The projected XI keeps two creators behind Shomurodov because Uzbekistan need cleaner counters in Atlanta.
Uzbekistan need a disciplined first hour before the bench becomes important. Cannavaro can change the tempo through wide substitutions or a more direct striker profile. The final call will depend on matchday fitness and the opponent’s press.
What Could Change Before Kickoff
DR Congo can still adjust the wide positions and one midfield role before kickoff. Meschack Elia, Silas, Simon Banza, Edo Kayembe, and Noah Sadiki give Desabre several ways to add speed or control. The final XI should show whether DR Congo protect the draw route or chase a higher starting press.
Uzbekistan can still change the wing-back balance and second-striker role. Jaloliddin Masharipov, Azizbek Turgunboev, Igor Sergeev, and Khusain Norchaev offer different late-game routes. Cannavaro may use a safer midfield if DR Congo start Wissa and Bongonda together.
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Lineups Status
The official DR Congo vs Uzbekistan lineups are not confirmed yet. The projected card uses squad announcements, current player roles, manager patterns, and tactical fit. Confirmed XIs will replace the projected view once both teams publish match sheets.
DR Congo start with the higher ranking and deeper tournament profile. Uzbekistan still have a clear route if they defend compactly and use transitions well. The first 20 minutes should show which side controls the rhythm.
DR Congo Starting XI
The DR Congo national team starting XI is yet to be confirmed. Desabre’s projected 4-2-3-1 starts with Lionel Mpasi in goal and a back line led by Chancel Mbemba. The midfield setup gives DR Congo a platform to control possession and protect counters.
Yoane Wissa is the key reference in the projected XI. He gives DR Congo leadership, timing, and a direct route into the penalty area. The wide players must stretch the pitch so the central attackers can receive in cleaner spaces.
Uzbekistan Starting XI
The Uzbekistan national team starting XI is also yet to be confirmed. Cannavaro’s projected 3-4-2-1 starts with Utkir Yusupov in goal and a defensive unit built around Umar Eshmurodov. The midfield must protect central zones before the front line can break forward.
Eldor Shomurodov is the key player for Uzbekistan. He can change field position through carrying, passing, or final-third movement. DR Congo need to stop his first action after turnovers.
Formation Analysis
The projected tactical picture is DR Congo’s 4-2-3-1 against Uzbekistan’s 3-4-2-1. DR Congo should try to control central territory and move the ball before the defensive block settles. Uzbekistan should defend narrow and break into the channels when the ball turns over.
The key zone sits between the double-pivot area and the attacking midfield line. If DR Congo win that space, they can create repeated entries around the box. If Uzbekistan disrupt it, the underdog can turn the match into a counterattacking contest.
Key Players in the Starting Lineup
The projected DR Congo vs Uzbekistan lineups revolve around Yoane Wissa and Eldor Shomurodov. Yoane Wissa gives DR Congo their clearest match-winning route. Eldor Shomurodov gives Uzbekistan the best outlet when pressure builds.
DR Congo Yoane Wissa
Yoane Wissa can decide the match through movement, timing, and control of key moments. He needs early service from midfield to pull defenders out of shape. Uzbekistan must stop him receiving cleanly around the box.
Uzbekistan Eldor Shomurodov
Eldor Shomurodov gives Uzbekistan their best chance to turn defensive work into attacks. He can hold the ball, carry into space, or connect with runners. DR Congo need to close him down before he faces forward.
Notable Absences
DR Congo’s confirmed matchday absences are yet to be confirmed. Desabre has several forward options, so late training checks should decide the final attacking mix.
Uzbekistan’s confirmed matchday absences are yet to be confirmed. Cannavaro still has to balance defensive cover with support around Shomurodov.
Bench Strength Comparison
DR Congo’s projected bench gives Desabre several ways to change the match. The substitute group covers goalkeeper, defence, midfield, and attack, so the coach can protect a lead or add speed. That flexibility matters if the opponent stays compact deep into the second half.
Uzbekistan’s projected bench has useful profiles but less overall depth. Cannavaro can add fresh legs in wide areas or change the striker role if the match opens. The bench battle should become important after the hour mark.
Head Coaches Tactical Approach
Desabre should ask DR Congo to control territory, protect rest defence, and move the ball before the press arrives. The projected lineup supports that plan because it balances possession quality with final-third threat. Late changes can add more direct speed if the match stays level.
Cannavaro should keep Uzbekistan compact and use the first forward pass after regains. The underdog route depends on patience, set pieces, and clean counterattacking decisions. A loose first half would make the match much harder to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DR Congo’s lineup vs Uzbekistan?
DR Congo’s official lineup is yet to be confirmed. The projected XI uses Desabre’s compact 4-2-3-1 and current squad roles.
What is Uzbekistan’s lineup vs DR Congo?
Uzbekistan’s official lineup is yet to be confirmed. The projected XI follows Cannavaro’s back-three structure and tournament squad.
What formation will DR Congo use against Uzbekistan?
DR Congo are projected in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Wissa and Bongonda supporting Bakambu from advanced areas.
Who is Uzbekistan’s key player vs DR Congo?
Eldor Shomurodov is Uzbekistan’s key attacking player because he gives the team hold-up play, movement, and finishing quality.
When will official DR Congo vs Uzbekistan lineups be announced?
Official DR Congo vs Uzbekistan lineups are expected around one hour before kickoff. FWCTimes will update the tracker once match sheets arrive.
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan lineups remain projected until both official match sheets arrive. FWCTimes will refresh the lineup card, bench list, formation view, manager notes, and schema once confirmed team news is available. Check back near kickoff for the final starting elevens and substitutes.
