Atlanta, June 27 (IANS) History beckons for both DR Congo and Uzbekistan as they meet in their final Group K fixture at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, with a place in the Round of 32 still within reach.
DR Congo head into the contest in the stronger position after collecting a valuable point against Portugal before pushing Colombia all the way in a narrow defeat. Those performances have left Sébastien Desabre’s side well placed to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, provided they secure all three points.
Uzbekistan’s task is considerably tougher. Back-to-back defeats have left the tournament debutants needing not only a victory but also a significant improvement to their goal difference, making their path to the knockout rounds a difficult one.
Although neither nation has extensive World Cup pedigree, the stakes could hardly be higher. DR Congo have built their campaign on defensive organisation and resilience, conceding few clear chances against two of the group’s strongest teams. Their disciplined approach should give them confidence against an Uzbekistan side that has struggled at both ends of the pitch.
Fabio Cannavaro’s men have shown glimpses of promise but have lacked cutting edge in attack while proving vulnerable defensively, shipping eight goals across their opening two matches.
With qualification still a realistic possibility, DR Congo have every reason to approach this encounter with belief. If they can reproduce the structure and intensity displayed earlier in the tournament, the Leopards will fancy their chances of making history with a first appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds.
How to watch DR Congo vs Uzbekistan live in India:
Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.
Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.
Key details:
Date and kick-off time: Sunday, June 28, 05:00 AM (IST)
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, USA
Referee: Felix Zwayer
Squads:
DR Congo –
Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi, Mike Epolo
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Gedeon Kalulu, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Nathan Mukau, Charles Pickel, Ngal’ayel Mukau Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Theo Bongonda, Gael Kakuta
Forwards: Meschack Elia, Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa
Uzbekistan –
Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov, Abduvohid Nematov, Botirali Ergashev
Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Umar Eshmurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Bekhruz Karimov, Jakhongir Urozov, Avazbek Ulmasaliev
Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Oston Urunov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Akmal Mozgovoy, Azizjon Ganiev, Sherzod Esanov
Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov, Igor Sergeev, Azizbek Amonov
–IANS
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