Sat, 27 Jun 2026 · LIVE
Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 14:35
Sports World News Updated Jun 27, 2026

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: World Cup Clash & Knockout Hopes

DR Congo and Uzbekistan meet in a decisive Group K match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with both teams still chasing a Round of 32 spot. DR Congo, led by Sébastien Desabre, has shown strong defensive organization against Portugal and Colombia. Uzbekistan, coached by Fabio Cannavaro, needs a win and improved goal difference after two losses. The match will be live-streamed on Zee5 and telecast on Unite8 Sports channels in India.

FIFA WC: When and where to watch DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, know all details

Atlanta, June 27

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

Reader Comments

Sarah B

Really rooting for Uzbekistan as a debutant team - it's tough to see them ship 8 goals in two matches. Cannavaro needs to figure out the defense quickly or they'll be heading home early. Good that Zee5 is streaming this!

Priya S

Poor planning by FIFA to have matches at 5 AM IST 🙄 But kya karein, global tournament hai. DR Congo looks solid though - Mbemba and Wan-Bissaka in defense is a strong combo. Hope they qualify as best third-placed team!

Michael C

Honestly, I feel bad for Uzbekistan. They came to the World Cup with big dreams but the reality hit hard. DR Congo's defensive approach might be boring but it's effective. Need to see more from Banza and Bakambu upfront.

Vikram M

DR Congo's discipline against Portugal was top class. If they can replicate that, Uzbekistan will find it very difficult. But as a football fan, I hope Uzbekistan scores at least one goal to make it interesting. Match will be on Unite8 Sports btw 📺

Kavya N

Fabio Cannavaro as Uzbekistan's coach? That's unexpected but interesting. Too bad results haven't matched his reputation though. DR Congo clearly the favorites here - their midfield with Kayembe and Pickel has been underrated. Prediction: 2-0 DR Congo.

D We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Reader Voices

Leave a comment

Be kind. Add to the conversation. 0/50
Thank you — your comment has been submitted.
JS blocked