DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Picks and Prediction for Saturday, June 27, 2026
DR Congo and Uzbekistan meet in a crucial Group K matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday at 8:30 PM ET. DR Congo enters the final group-stage match with one point after a draw against Portugal and a loss to Colombia. Uzbekistan sits bottom of the group with zero points following defeats to Colombia and Portugal. Colombia leads the group with six points, while Portugal sits second with four. DR Congo still has a realistic chance to advance with a victory, while Uzbekistan must win and hope other results work in its favor. Win big with our free World Cup picks.
DR Congo Looking to Capitalize on a Favorable Matchup
DR Congo has been more competitive than the standings suggest. The Leopards opened the tournament with an impressive 1-1 draw against Portugal before falling 1-0 to Colombia in a match that remained scoreless until the 76th minute. Facing the two strongest teams in the group first has left DR Congo in a difficult position, but the performances have shown that this squad can compete.
Defensively, DR Congo has been solid throughout the tournament. The Leopards are conceding just one goal per game while allowing only 0.82 expected goals against per match. Chancel Mbemba continues to lead the back line, while Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Wan-Bissaka provide experience and stability on the flanks. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi has also been reliable when called upon.
The attack still needs more production after scoring only once through two matches. Brentford forward Yoane Wissa scored against Portugal and remains the primary threat alongside Cedric Bakambu. This matchup should offer more opportunities than the previous games against Portugal and Colombia, especially against a Uzbekistan defense that has struggled throughout the tournament.
Injuries: No injuries or suspensions have been reported for DR Congo.
Uzbekistan Running Out of Answers
Uzbekistan's World Cup debut has been a difficult one. Fabio Cannavaro's side opened with a 3-1 loss to Colombia before suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat against Portugal. Those results have left the White Wolves with a -7 goal differential and facing elimination unless they can produce a dramatic turnaround.
The biggest issue has been the defense. Uzbekistan has conceded eight goals in two matches and owns a save percentage of just 38%. Opponents have consistently created quality chances, and the back line has struggled to handle pressure against top-level competition. Cannavaro's biggest task entering this match is restoring defensive organization.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored against Colombia and remains one of the team's most creative attacking players. Veteran striker Eldor Shomurodov has experience and leadership, while defender Abdukodir Khusanov remains one of the brightest young talents in the squad. However, Uzbekistan has lost four of its last five matches and enters this contest searching for confidence.
Injuries: No injuries or suspensions have been reported for Uzbekistan.
Congo DR vs Uzbekistan Match Pick
- DR Congo Moneyline
DR Congo has shown far more through two matches than Uzbekistan. The Leopards earned a draw against Portugal and pushed Colombia deep into the second half before eventually conceding. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, has allowed eight goals and struggled to compete against both group favorites. DR Congo owns the stronger defensive numbers, the better recent form, and enters with far more to play for. With Wissa and Bakambu facing a vulnerable defense, this looks like the ideal opportunity for the Leopards to secure their first victory of the tournament and keep their knockout hopes alive.
Congo DR vs Uzbekistan Over/Under Pick
- Under 2.5 Goals
Even with Uzbekistan's defensive struggles, the under remains attractive because of DR Congo's style of play. The Leopards have scored only one goal in two World Cup matches and generally prefer a compact defensive approach. Four of DR Congo's last five matches have produced two goals or fewer, and the team has consistently relied on organization rather than attacking volume. Uzbekistan may approach this match cautiously after conceding eight goals in two games. A controlled match with limited chances and a final scoreline of 1-0 or 2-0 appears more likely than a high-scoring affair.