Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- Group K finale sees DR Congo and Uzbekistan clash for a historic knockout berth. DR Congo returns after 52 years (since West Germany 1974 as Zaire) for their second-ever World Cup, while Uzbekistan makes their debut 35 years after independence in 1991. Both teams retain knockout hopes depending on this result.
- DR Congo lines up 4-4-2 against Uzbekistan's 3-4-2-1. DR Congo's twin strikers Yoane Wissa (Newcastle, 9 goals in 36 caps) and Cédric Bakambu (ex-Real Betis, 21 goals second on all-time list) challenge Uzbekistan's three-man defense. Uzbekistan's Eldor Shomurodov (İstanbul Başakşehir, all-time top scorer with 44 goals) leads the line alone against DR Congo's backline.
- Midfield control proves crucial. DR Congo deploys four midfielders in a flat line: Brian Tshibangu, Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, and Nathanaël Mbuku. Uzbekistan's attacking midfield duo of Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Başakşehir) and Dostonbek Khamdamov create from Otabek Shukurov (UAE-based) and Akmal Mozgovoy's deeper positioning.
- Full-back battles will shape the match. DR Congo's left-back Arthur Masuaku faces Uzbekistan's wing-back Khojiakbar Alijonov. On the opposite flank, Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham, ex-Manchester United) engages in an intense duel with Sherzod Nasrullayev. Both teams rely heavily on width for their attacks.
- Defensive experience could prove decisive. DR Congo's captain Chancel Mbemba (Lille, all-time leader with 109 caps) and Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley, ex-Manchester United) bring Premier League pedigree to the backline. Uzbekistan's 20-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City, £40M signing in 2025) represents emerging talent to watch.
- Managerial expertise adds intrigue. Frenchman Sébastien Desabre (DR Congo) led his side to the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. Meanwhile, former Italy captain and Ballon d'Or winner Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan) applies his 2006 World Cup-winning experience to guide debutants toward a historic first victory.
- Bench depth could swing the balance. DR Congo features European-experienced players like Gaël Kakuta (ex-Chelsea), Théo Bongonda (ex-Watford), and Simon Banza (ex-Mainz) in reserve. Uzbekistan counters with Middle East league standouts Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal, Iran) and Igor Sergeev (Persepolis, 81 caps with 24 goals) awaiting second-half opportunities.