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DR Congo's chance of making it to the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 now depends on their final Group K match against Uzbekistan, which takes place on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Securing a spot in the knockout stage as one of the top third-place teams is the only goal for both teams going into this match.
However, their paths have diverged greatly, with DR Congo having a crucial point from their first two games, while the Central Asian side lost both matches and are still without a point.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best World Cup betting offers giving you the best chance of making some profit.
DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan key stats
- Uzbekistan have failed to keep a clean sheet in six of their last eight games across all competitions.
- Uzbekistan have lost their last four games across all competitions, including their first two games at the World Cup.
- DR Congo have won seven of their last 15 games across all competitions.
DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan preview: Round of 32 qualification on the line
| DR Congo | vs | Uzbekistan |
|---|---|---|
| 46th | FIFA Ranking | 50th |
| Chancel Mbemba (111) | Most Caps | Eldor Shomurodov (94) |
| Cedric Bakambu (21)] | Most Goals | Eldor Shomurodov (44) |
| 828 | Total Caps | 864 |
| 83 | Total Goals | 117 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 1 |
Despite another narrow defeat under Sebastien Desabre, whose side has yet to lose by more than a single goal since October 2025, DR Congo's 1-0 setback against Colombia has left them in a precarious position.
The Leopards now head into their final group-stage encounter knowing that only a victory is likely to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
After earning praise for their disciplined display against Portugal in the opening match, many expected the Congolese to adopt a more adventurous approach against Colombia.
Instead, Desabre again opted for a cautious system built around a five-man defence, focusing on containment and counterattacking opportunities.
The strategy proved less effective this time as the Leopards struggled to establish control in possession and lacked the defensive resilience that had frustrated Portugal in the first game.
The defeat means the Central African nation remains without a World Cup victory and faces a must-win scenario in Atlanta.
To have any realistic chance of progressing to the knockout rounds for the first time, they will need to show far greater attacking intent in their final Group K fixture.
Right now, securing third place appears to be the more attainable objective, and Uzbekistan present an opportunity to achieve that goal.
On the other hand, Uzbekistan have endured a difficult tournament so far, as Fabio Cannavaro's men are yet to collect a point and entered the last round of group matches with one of the poorest defensive records in the competition.
Their campaign began with a 3-1 defeat to Colombia, but any optimism from that performance quickly disappeared when they were overwhelmed 5-0 by Portugal.
Although the White Wolves are not yet mathematically eliminated, qualification would require both a victory and a favourable set of results elsewhere.
Recent form offers little encouragement as they have failed to win any match in normal time since defeating Gabon 3-1 in March.
They suffered defeats against Canada and the Netherlands before their struggles continued on the World Cup stage.
Having managed only two goals across their last four matches while conceding heavily at the tournament, the Uzbeks head into their final group game as clear underdogs.
DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan form guide & betting tips
| DR Congo | vs | Uzbekistan |
|---|---|---|
DDLDL |
Form | DLLLL |
| 2 | Goals For | 2 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 12 |
DL |
World Cup | LL |
Whispers predicts: DR Congo 1-0 Uzbekistan
DR Congo head into this clash against Uzbekistan as favourites to win, with the Round of 32 qualification in their sights.
With Yoane Wissa leading the attack for the African side, he will look to help his team exploit Uzbekistan's vulnerable defence.
The bookmakers have made DR Congo the favourite to win at 11/10 (2.10), while a draw is currently valued at 5/2 (3.50).
A victory for Uzbekistan is priced at 12/5 (3.40), offering an appealing return for those who look to give Uzbekistan a chance.
The odds for DR Congo's total goals (over 0.5) are set at 1/4 (1.25), while under 2.5 goals is valued at 4/6 (1.67).
Also, with Wissa being the Leopards' top attacker at the World Cup, he will look to score in this match, and he has been given 2.50 (6/4) odds.
> Home to win at 11/10 (2.10) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 4/6 (1.67) | Likelihood: Possible
> DR Congo total goals (over 0.5) at 1/4 (1.25) | Likelihood: Possible
> Yoane Wissa anytime goalscorer at 2.50 (6/4) | Likelihood: Probable