Uzbekistan faces Congo DR on June 27, 2026, in Group K at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Houston. Kickoff is set for 9:00 PM ET, and both sides need points to keep their tournament path alive.
Match Preview
This is one of Group K’s most balanced fixtures. Uzbekistan arrives at its first World Cup with an experienced squad, while Congo DR brings physical power and top-level European talent.
FabiCannavaro’s Uzbekistan will lean on structure and discipline. Sébastien Desabre’s Congo DR will try to turn the match into a fast, direct battle.
The game matters because Group K is tight and every point can reshape the table. Uzbekistan also needs to handle Congo DR’s pace in transition and set-piece threat.
A likely Uzbekistan lineup is: Utkir Yusupov; Khojiakbar Alijonov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Umar Eshmurodov, Farrukh Sayfiev; Otabek Shukurov, Odiljon Khamrobekov; Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Oston Urunov; Eldor Shomurodov.
A likely Congo DR lineup is: Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku; Noah Sadiki, Edimilson Fernandes; Theo Bongonda, Gaël Kakuta, Yoane Wissa; Cédric Bakambu.
Key Players to Watch
Eldor Shomurodov is Uzbekistan’s reference point in attack. He gives them movement, experience, and a reliable finishing option.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev is the creative spark behind him. His passing between the lines can open compact defenses.
For Congo DR, Yoane Wissa is a major threat in the open space. He can punish any mistake with speed and sharp finishing.
Chancel Mbemba brings leadership and defensive control. Cédric Bakambu adds penalty-box instinct and experience in big matches.
Head-to-Head Record
This matchup has no established competitive history at the senior World Cup level. The available head-to-head records list zero previous meetings in official competition.
That absence of history makes form more important than reputation. It also increases the value of early control in midfield and the first goal.
Prediction & Odds
The market leans slightly toward Uzbekistan. ESPN lists Congo DR at around +155 and Uzbekistan at around +215, with the over 2.5 goals price near +125.
FOX Sports shows a similar split, with Congo DR around +152 and Uzbekistan around +183. That suggests a close contest with narrow margins.
Uzbekistan may start more cautiously, but the Congo DR has enough firepower to punish hesitation. The match could swing on one transition or one set piece.
Predicted score: Congo DR 1-1 Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan may edge it on control, but Congo DR can survive with their physical block.
How to Watch
In the USA, the match is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET. FOX confirms live coverage, and FS1 is part of the tournament rotation.
In the UK, World Cup rights are split between the BBC and ITV. Match listings for Uzbekistan’s tournament games also point to BBC coverage.
In the Arab world, beIN Sports remains the main destination for World Cup viewers. It carries tournament coverage across the MENA region.
Suggested internal link placements: add a link to your “World Cup 2026 Group K standings” hub after the opening paragraph, another to “Uzbekistan squad guide” in Match Preview, and a third to “Congo DR squad guide” in Key Players to Watch.
