Full Breakdown
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: Final Group K Match Determines World Cup Fate
6/28/2026, 3:58:01 AM
Group K Landscape and Stakes
Colombia (6 pts) and Portugal (4 pts) have already qualified. DR Congo sits on one point; Uzbekistan on none. DR Congo must win to reach four points and claim a third-place slot among the eight best. Uzbekistan also needs a win, but its –7 goal-difference after 3-1 and 5-0 defeats makes advancement unlikely.
Coach Perspectives
DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre warned that “A draw will not be enough” and pledged a risk-taking approach against Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan manager Fabio Cannavaro announced a reshuffle of the back line and the reinstatement of goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov after the earlier error-prone display.
Key Players and Lineups
DR Congo is expected to start Lionel Mpasi; defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku; midfielders Noah Sadiki, Ngal Ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe; forwards Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu, Nathanaël Mbuku. Uzbekistan’s probable eleven includes goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov; defenders Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Rustamjon Ashurmatov; midfielders Behruzjon Karimov, Akmal Mozgovoy, Otabek Shukurov, Sherzod Nasrulloev; forwards Abbosbek Fayzullayev, Oston Urunov, Eldor Shomurodov.
Data & Statistics
DR Congo has scored one goal and conceded two; Uzbekistan has scored one and allowed eight. The Leopards limited Portugal to 0.65 expected goals and seven shots, and held Colombia to 0.98 expected goals. Uzbekistan’s –7 goal-difference places it at the group bottom.
Official Statements & Responses
Desabre’s remarks underscored the urgency: “We’ll need to take risks… A draw will not be enough. We need to analyze ourselves now and move forward. We’ll be prepared against Uzbekistan. They have some great defenders.” Cannavaro’s changes aim to tighten a defense that has faced the tournament’s strongest attacks.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note Uzbekistan’s slim odds, emphasizing that even a win may not offset the –7 goal-difference. The side’s recent losses to Colombia and Portugal have drawn criticism for weak attacking output and defensive lapses.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Predictions differ: some experts forecast a 2-0 DR Congo win, others a 2-1 result. Sources also disagree on whether a DR Congo draw could still secure advancement; most agree a draw leaves the team dependent on other groups’ outcomes, making qualification improbable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A draw will not be enough. We need to analyze ourselves now and move forward. We'll be prepared against Uzbekistan. They have some great defenders.” — Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo head coach
- “DR Congo on Sat.” — Seth Vertelney, analyst
- “DR Congo on Sat.” — Jon Arnold, analyst
- “DR Congo on Sat.” — Jesse Yomtov, analyst
- “DR Congo on Sat.” — Victoria Hernandez, analyst
What’s Next
A DR Congo victory would likely pit them against England in the round of 32. Uzbekistan’s loss would confirm its exit, ending its debut World Cup campaign.
