DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Preview, Form, Lineups, H2H & Match Info
(Atlanta)
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The DR Congo vs Uzbekistan preview covers Group K Match 72 at Atlanta Stadium. FIFA lists the fixture for 27 June 2026 at 23:30 UTC, while Mercedes-Benz Stadium lists a 4:30 PM local event start in Atlanta. DR Congo enter with one point. Uzbekistan arrive without a point after heavy defeats to Colombia and Portugal.
This is the survival match in Group K. DR Congo can still strengthen a third-place route with a win, while Uzbekistan need their first World Cup points and a major defensive reset. Colombia and Portugal meet at the same time, so the group closes with top-spot and third-place pressure running together.
DR Congo Preview
DR Congo have competed better than their table position suggests. Sebastien Desabre’s side drew 1-1 with Portugal, then lost 1-0 to Colombia. Conceding only twice against two strong opponents gives DR Congo a usable platform for this final match.
Yoane Wissa gives DR Congo the most direct route to goal. Cedric Bakambu can occupy centre-backs, while Theo Bongonda can carry attacks into wide spaces. Chancel Mbemba remains the defensive reference, and his duel management matters against Shomurodov.
DR Congo need more attacking volume without losing their compact base. A draw may not be enough for the third-place race, so Desabre has to find controlled aggression. The first goal would let DR Congo defend space and force Uzbekistan into riskier passes.
Uzbekistan Preview
Uzbekistan have endured a difficult World Cup debut run. Fabio Cannavaro’s team lost 3-1 to Colombia, then lost 5-0 to Portugal. Those results leave them bottom of Group K with one goal scored and eight conceded.
Eldor Shomurodov gives Uzbekistan a senior attacking reference. Abbosbek Fayzullaev can connect midfield and attack, while Abdukodir Khusanov gives the back line important recovery power. Uzbekistan need those players to raise the floor of the team, not only produce isolated moments.
The main task is defensive control. Uzbekistan cannot allow early box entries, cheap set pieces, or loose second balls. If they reach halftime level, the match can become tense because DR Congo also carry pressure.
DR Congo Team News
DR Congo’s official starting XI remains yet to be confirmed. The synced lineup family projects a 4-2-3-1 with Lionel Mpasi in goal. Gedeon Kalulu, Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika, and Arthur Masuaku form the projected defensive line.
Samuel Moutoussamy and Charles Pickel are projected as the midfield base. Wissa, Gael Kakuta, and Bongonda support Bakambu in attack. Confirmed absences remain yet to be confirmed, so final team news should be checked near kickoff.
Uzbekistan Team News
Uzbekistan’s official XI is also yet to be confirmed. The current projection uses a 3-4-2-1 with Utkir Yusupov in goal. Khusanov, Umar Eshmurodov, and Rustam Ashurmatov form the projected back three.
Otabek Shukurov and Odiljon Hamrobekov protect midfield, with Fayzullaev and Jasurbek Yakhshiboev behind Shomurodov. Cannavaro can still add an extra defensive midfielder if he wants a safer first hour.
Head to Head Record
DR Congo and Uzbekistan have no previous verified senior meeting before this World Cup fixture. The Group K match in Atlanta starts the senior H2H record. Current form, defensive stability, and group pressure matter more than history here.
| H2H Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Senior meetings | 0 |
| DR Congo wins | 0 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Uzbekistan wins | 0 |
| World Cup meetings | 0 |
| Last meeting | First verified senior meeting |
The lack of H2H history keeps the matchup clean. DR Congo have the stronger defensive evidence from Group K, while Uzbekistan have the greater need to repair confidence after two defeats.
Key Battle to Watch
The key battle is DR Congo’s transition runners against Uzbekistan’s back-three protection. Wissa and Bongonda can attack space quickly, especially if Uzbekistan push wing-backs high. Khusanov has to defend forward and recover behind him.
The second duel is Shomurodov against Mbemba. Uzbekistan need their striker to hold the ball long enough for support to arrive. If Mbemba wins that battle early, DR Congo can keep Uzbekistan pinned away from dangerous areas.
Set pieces could decide the match. DR Congo have aerial power and a clear need to attack dead-ball moments. Uzbekistan must defend first contact and clear second balls, because another early goal against would change the match fast.
Group K Standings
Group K enters the final matchday with Colombia on six points and Portugal on four. DR Congo have one point, while Uzbekistan have zero. DR Congo need three points to improve their third-place ranking picture. Uzbekistan need a win and help elsewhere.
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 6 |
| 2 | Portugal | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 4 |
| 3 | DR Congo | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| 4 | Uzbekistan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 0 |
Follow the full World Cup 2026 standings as Group K closes. Third-place ranking rules make goal difference important, so a narrow win and a clean sheet would matter for DR Congo.
How to Watch DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Live
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan sits in the 19:30 ET window for United States viewers. Official TV and streaming access depends on local rights holders and final listings near kickoff. FWCTimes will keep the match family updated when a dedicated live-score or TV guide page is published.
FWCTimes already has DR Congo vs Uzbekistan lineups, H2H record, and match prediction coverage. The preview card links only to published pages, so unpublished live-score, live-stream, and stats destinations stay non-clickable.
Official lineups should arrive close to kickoff. Fans should recheck before the match starts because team sheets, broadcast listings, and late fitness notes can change on matchday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does DR Congo vs Uzbekistan kick off?
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan kicks off at 19:30 ET on 27 Jun 2026 at Atlanta Stadium.
Where is DR Congo vs Uzbekistan being played?
The match is scheduled for Atlanta Stadium, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium listings showing 4:30 PM local kickoff in Atlanta.
What is the DR Congo vs Uzbekistan H2H record?
DR Congo and Uzbekistan have no previous verified senior meeting, so this World Cup match starts the senior H2H record.
What do DR Congo need from Group K?
DR Congo have one point and need a win to strengthen their third-place qualification route.
What do Uzbekistan need against DR Congo?
Uzbekistan have no points after two matches, so they need a win and a major goal-difference swing to keep any route alive.
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan gives Group K a direct survival test in Atlanta. DR Congo have defended well enough to control the match, while Uzbekistan need their cleanest performance of the tournament. The result should turn on DR Congo’s transition threat, Uzbekistan’s box protection, and which side handles the final-day pressure better. Follow FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage as kickoff approaches.
