The Leopards and the White Wolves fight for pride — and one last wild-card hope.

The Big Picture

DR Congo and Uzbekistan meet in Atlanta with both teams chasing their first win of the tournament. Group K.

DR Congo still has one point after its excellent 1-1 draw with Portugal, but the 1-0 defeat to Colombia left Sébastien Desabre’s side needing victory to keep any hope alive. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, has suffered two defeats, including a heavy 5-0 loss to Portugal, and must respond after a painful start to its first-ever World Cup.

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DR Congo

Colombia 1-0 DR Congo
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
DR Congo 1-2 Chile
DR Congo 0-0 Denmark
DR Congo 1-0 Jamaica

Uzbekistan

Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia
Netherlands 2-1 Uzbekistan
Canada 2-0 Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan 0-0 Venezuela

Tactical Keys

DR Congo should have the physical edge. Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe and Steve Kapuadi give the Leopards defensive strength, while Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Wan-Bissaka can push forward from wing-back roles. The key will be turning possession into chances for Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu.

Uzbekistan must recover emotionally after the Portugal defeat. Fabio Cannavaro’s team needs a compact low block, better spacing between midfield and defense, and quicker service toward Abbosbek Fayzullayev and Eldor Shomurodov.

Probable Lineups

DR Congo — 5-3-2

Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu.

Uzbekistan — 5-4-1

Nematov; Karimov, Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov, Nasrulloev; Ganiev, Khamrobekov, Shukurov, Fayzullayev; Shomurodov.

SMIT AI WORLD CUP SIMULATOR

Squad Strength Index

Expected Goals Simulation

Win Probability

Four Most Likely Results

Most Likely Result

DR Congo 1-0 Uzbekistan

Predicted Goalscorer

Yoane Wissa

Player of the Simulation

Chancel Mbemba

Confidence Level

61/100

AI Match Simulation

According to the SMIT AI Simulator, the match starts with both teams cautious. DR Congo controls more territory, using Masuaku and Wan-Bissaka to stretch the pitch, while Uzbekistan defends deep and tries to protect the central channel after the collapse against Portugal.

Uzbekistan’s best moments come through Fayzullayev, who looks for quick combinations with Shomurodov. But DR Congo’s back line, led by Mbemba, limits clear chances and wins most aerial duels.

The decisive moment comes in the second half. DR Congo increases pressure, forces Uzbekistan deeper, and finally finds the breakthrough through Wissa, who attacks space between the center-backs and finishes a direct move.

Uzbekistan pushes late but lacks sharpness in the final third. DR Congo protects the lead and earns its first World Cup win.

Why the Simulator Predicts This Result

The simulator favors DR Congo because of its defensive structure, physical advantage and stronger recent tournament performances. Uzbekistan has technical talent, but its defensive confidence is fragile after conceding eight goals in two World Cup matches. DR Congo’s compact shape and transition threat make a narrow win the most likely outcome.

Group K Standings