DR Congo and Uzbekistan close out their Group K campaigns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with very different motivations. Sebastien Desabre’s Leopards sit third on one point after a battling 1-1 draw with Portugal and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia, and must win to keep alive any hope of sneaking through as one of the best third-placed sides. Uzbekistan, beaten by both Colombia and Portugal, are already eliminated on their World Cup debut and play only for pride. Kick-off is 00:30 BST in the early hours of Sunday 28 June. Below are the confirmed details, predicted XIs and our best betting angles.
Match Overview
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Matchday | Group K, Matchday 3 |
| Date | Saturday, 27 June 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 00:30 BST (Sun 28 June) |
| Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| Broadcast | BBC (UK) |
Key Predictions & Confidence Score
DR Congo are favourites and, crucially, have something to play for — only a win keeps their qualification hopes flickering — while Uzbekistan are already out. That points to a controlled Leopards performance, and our three best angles below lean on it:
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| DR Congo Double Chance (Win or Draw) | 1/5 @ Bet365 (83.3%) |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | DR Congo have conceded just twice in two games and only need to avoid defeat to stay in the picture, against an Uzbekistan side already eliminated and short of attacking spark. At a shade of 1/5 it is a low-risk anchor for accumulators. |
| Under 2.5 Goals | 10/11 @ Bet365 (52.4%) |
⭐⭐⭐ | DR Congo have scored once in two outings and tend to keep games tight, while Uzbekistan’s only goal so far came against Colombia. With the Leopards likely to manage a game they are expected to control, a low-scoring affair appeals. |
| Cedric Bakambu to Score Anytime | 6/4 @ Paddy Power (40.0%) |
⭐⭐⭐ | Bakambu is DR Congo’s talisman and one of their all-time leading scorers with more than 20 international goals. Against an Uzbekistan defence that shipped five against Portugal, the Real Betis striker is the most likely man to make the breakthrough. |
Odds correct at the time of writing.
Top Betting Tips & Value Analysis
1. Value Bet: DR Congo Double Chance (Win or Draw)
Odds: 1/5 with Bet365
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Analysis: DR Congo’s defence has been resilient — just two goals conceded in the group, against Portugal and Colombia — and they face an Uzbekistan side that is already out and has managed a single goal so far. Backing the Leopards to avoid defeat is the soundest play. Those wanting more reward can take DR Congo to win outright at 5/6 with Betfred, given they must chase the three points and Uzbekistan have little left to play for.
2. Player Prop: Cedric Bakambu Anytime Scorer
Odds: 6/4 with Paddy Power
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Analysis: Bakambu remains DR Congo’s reference point in attack and their chief goal threat. With the Leopards needing to force the issue against a beaten Uzbekistan defence, the veteran striker should see chances — and at 6/4 to net anytime he offers fair value as the most likely scorer on the pitch.
In-Depth Match Analysis
DR Congo: Sebastien Desabre’s Leopards reached a first World Cup since 1974 — when they competed as Zaire — after coming through the intercontinental play-off, beating Nigeria on penalties. In the group they have been competitive without quite delivering: a 1-1 draw with Portugal was followed by a 1-0 loss to Colombia, leaving them third on one point. Their defence has held firm, conceding just twice, but a single goal scored underlines their need for more cutting edge. Only a win here keeps alive their hopes of progressing as one of the best third-placed sides.
Uzbekistan: Fabio Cannavaro’s side are appearing at their first-ever World Cup, having qualified as runners-up in their AFC third-round group. The tournament has proved a harsh introduction: a 1-3 defeat to Colombia, in which Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored their first goal at a World Cup, was followed by a 5-0 loss to Portugal. Already eliminated on zero points and with eight goals conceded, the White Wolves play only for pride — though the experience of facing the world’s best should serve a young squad well.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 6 |
| Portugal | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 4 |
| DR Congo | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| Uzbekistan | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 0 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Cedric Bakambu (DR Congo): Talisman and one of the Leopards’ all-time top scorers; the focal point of their attack and likeliest source of a goal.
- Yoane Wissa (DR Congo): Premier League forward whose pace and movement give DR Congo a different dimension in the final third.
- Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Uzbekistan): Scored Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal and remains their brightest creative spark.
- Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan): Manchester City defender and the standout name in the Uzbek squad.
Expected Line Ups for DR Congo vs Uzbekistan
DR Congo, needing a win, are expected to line up in Sebastien Desabre’s familiar back-three system, with captain Chancel Mbemba marshalling the defence and the Wissa-Bakambu pairing leading the line. Uzbekistan, under Fabio Cannavaro, used a 3-4-2-1 shape against Portugal built around Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov at the back and captain Eldor Shomurodov up front, with Fayzullaev the chief threat from out wide. Both coaches may rotate — Uzbekistan have nothing left to play for — so treat these as projected XIs; confirmed teamsheets land about an hour before kick-off.
Head-to-Head Record & Statistical Analysis
DR Congo and Uzbekistan have never met at senior level — from different confederations, this is a genuine first meeting with no head-to-head form to call on. The group table and rankings tell the story instead:
| Statistic | DR Congo | Uzbekistan |
|---|---|---|
| Group K Position | 3rd | 4th |
| World Cup Goals Scored | 1 (2 games) | 1 (2 games) |
| World Cup Goals Conceded | 2 | 8 |
| FIFA World Ranking | 45th | 50th |
| Points (into Matchday 3) | 1 | 0 |
Player Spotlight: Cedric Bakambu
Cedric Bakambu is the player DR Congo will look to if they are to force the win they need. One of the Leopards’ all-time leading scorers with more than 20 international goals, the Real Betis forward has long been his country’s main penalty-box threat and carries the leadership and experience to thrive on the big stage. DR Congo have created relatively little in the group, so Bakambu’s knack of making the most of half-chances could prove decisive. Against an Uzbekistan defence already breached eight times, the spaces should be there for him — and a goal here would cap a proud campaign for a nation back at the World Cup after more than 50 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is the favourite to win DR Congo vs Uzbekistan?
A: DR Congo are favourites. They sit third in Group K with something to play for and have a stronger, more experienced squad, while Uzbekistan are already eliminated and arrive on the back of a 5-0 defeat to Portugal. Only an upset would deny the Leopards.
Q: What are the best betting odds for this match?
A: Our featured prices include DR Congo double chance at 1/5 with Bet365, DR Congo to win outright at 5/6 with Betfred and Cedric Bakambu to score anytime at 6/4 with Paddy Power. Prices move closer to kick-off, so compare the latest across the leading World Cup betting sites.
Q: Where can I watch DR Congo vs Uzbekistan in the UK?
A: UK coverage is expected on the BBC, with kick-off at 00:30 BST in the early hours of Sunday 28 June. Channel assignments can switch between the BBC and ITV, so check the listings on the day.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
DR Congo head into the final round of Group K games as favourites and with a clear incentive — only a win will do if they are to keep their slim qualification hopes alive against an already-eliminated Uzbekistan. Our preferred plays are the DR Congo double chance as a low-risk anchor and Cedric Bakambu anytime scorer, with Under 2.5 Goals the value angle if you expect a controlled Leopards display. As always, confirm the teamsheets before betting. For more World Cup tips and the latest prices, compare the leading World Cup winner odds.
Disclaimer & Responsible Gambling
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