DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: prediction & betting odds 28 June 2026

Why DR Congo Are Favourites

The bookmakers give clear preference to DR Congo at least because they managed to pick up one point at the tournament. The draw with Portugal showed that the team can shut down their defence and also break into sharp counter-attacks.

• Uzbekistan have lost four matches in a row.

• DR Congo have won nine of their last 10 matches against opponents outside the top 40 of the FIFA rankings.

• Uzbekistan have scored only two goals in their last five matches.

• Uzbekistan have just one win in their last six matches away from home.

Form and Line-up DR Congo

Despite the lack of wins, DR Congo have so far left only positive impressions. First of all, we should highlight the team's excellent defence, which allowed Portugal to take only seven shots in the first round. At the same time, Desabre's team do not simply play aimless clearances, but try to break into dangerous counter-attacks. The forwards Wissa and Bakambu work especially hard, winning around 50% of aerial duels and consistently knocking balls down into free areas on the flanks. The tireless Masuaku and Wan-Bissaka are always able to take advantage of this and burst into space.

Key numbers for DR Congo:

• They have conceded more than one goal only once in their last 15 games (10 clean sheets).

• They are averaging 7.5 shots at the World Cup.

• Lionel Mpasi saved eight of Colombia's nine shots.

Probable DR Congo line-up (5-3-2): Lionel Mpasi - Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi, Arthur Masuaku - Ngalael Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe - Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu.

Absentees: -.

Form and Line-up Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, by contrast, have produced only negative emotions. The main disappointment has been the team's defence, which has not even been helped by Khusanov and his experience at Manchester City. The adventurous system with three centre-backs constantly leaves free areas, which is why they have already conceded eight goals.

Things are also rather bleak in attack for the team. Yes, Shomurodov competes well for balls in midfield, but it does not bring any real benefit. Fayzullaev completed only one of five passes into the box, while Ganiev did not complete any at all. It feels as though the forwards simply do not understand what to do with the ball in the final third.

Key numbers for Uzbekistan:

• They have conceded at least two goals in four matches in a row.

• Over 2.5 goals has landed in their last three games.

• Their last away win over a top-100 FIFA ranking opponent came in 2023 against China (91st place).

Probable Uzbekistan line-up (3-4-3): Abduvohid Nematov - Abdukodir Khusanov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Abdulla Abdullaev - Bekhruz Karimov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov, Sherzod Nasrullaev - Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Eldor Shomurodov, Aziz Ganiev.

Absentees: Jaloliddin Masharipov (injury).

The Teams' Chances

Let us convert the odds into probabilities and remove the built-in margin (~5%). The average line: DR Congo 1.80, draw 3.90, Uzbekistan 4.10.

After removing the margin, DR Congo's win is rated at around 52.5%, the draw at 24.2% and Uzbekistan's success at 23.3%. The market sees a powerful attacking start from the hosts as the main scenario, leading to a goal. After that, in their usual style, they will shut the opponent down and take the crucial three points.

Alternative Bets

• Under 2.5 goals - 1.85-1.95: Between them, the teams have scored only two goals but conceded 10. The market is not sure what will prevail: weak attacks or leaky defences.

• Both teams to score - Yes - 1.80-1.90: The calculation is based specifically on weak defensive play. The teams have conceded in each of their matches at the tournament, and ending that poor run will be far from easy.

• DR Congo over 1.5 goals - 1.85-1.90: Uzbekistan have conceded at least twice in four matches in a row.

• Double chance 1X - 1.20-1.30: DR Congo took points from Portugal and conceded against Colombia only in the final 15 minutes. The team are excellent at playing to the scoreline.

Total Goals Prediction

The 2.5-goal total line is at one level, 1.85-1.90. The market sees both a low-scoring scenario and a genuine shootout caused by dreadful defensive play.

Under 3.5 goals at 1.30 is a confident option for accumulators. If one of the teams leads 2:1, they will immediately park the bus and play clearances until the final whistle, hoping to preserve the win.

Handicap Prediction

DR Congo Draw No Bet is the most reliable position. A win means the bet wins, a draw means a refund. A (-1) handicap on the nominal hosts is risky, as they need not only to score twice but also to keep a clean sheet. The second part is not hard to imagine, but they simply will not need the first.

Uzbekistan (+1) at 1.60 looks attractive. Yes, it cannot be ruled out that the team will fail to keep a clean sheet, but conceding twice is unlikely. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that the visitors themselves, if behind on the scoreline, will pile pressure on the opposition goal and get several chances to score.

Both Teams to Score Prediction

In the both teams to score market, there is a slight edge for Yes: 1.80-1.90 (~54%) against No at 1.90-2.00 (~51%). The teams have scored in only one of their matches at the tournament, but both have looked awful defensively.

Both teams to score - Yes is the priority option, but it is quite risky. It is difficult to predict what mood the national teams' forwards will be in and whether they will be able to take the chances they get.

Double Chance Prediction

The 1X option (DR Congo not to lose) is the safest option at 1.20-1.30. The 12 option (either team to win) at 1.29 is for those who are confident the opponents will not share the points. X2 (Uzbekistan not to lose) at 1.80-2.00 is a bet based on a sudden goal from the visitors and their subsequent model defensive display.

1X is an excellent option for accumulators, and given the opponents' motivation, 12 also looks decent, because defeat or a draw will mean elimination from the tournament for one of the teams.

Correct Score Prediction

The most likely score is 1:0. DR Congo will be able to find their chances and score at least once. After that, the team will drop into a low block and preserve the treasured three points. A 2:1 scoreline also looks interesting, because a draw suits neither of them. If DR Congo concede, they will immediately rush forward to finish off the exhausted opponent.

When and Where to Watch

The match will take place on 28 June 2026 at 00:30 BST. The venue is the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, USA.

Live broadcasts of World Cup matches in the UK: BBC Sport and ITV.

Who will referee the match 

Felix Zwayer (Germany) 

Matches – 7 (International matches, 2026);

Average fouls per match – 20;

Average yellow/red cards per match (including second yellows) – 5,7;

Matches with a straight red card – 1 out of 7;

Matches with a penalty – 2 out of 7.