FIFA · June 27, 2026
UZBEKISTAN @ DR CONGO
Free LineCrush game report for UZBEKISTAN @ DR CONGO on June 27, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Group K pressure for two winless sides
Uzbekistan and DR Congo both come into Match 72 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium still searching for their first points of the World Cup, which turns this fixture into a de facto survival test in Group K. Uzbekistan have conceded eight goals across their first two games, while DR Congo have one goal from Yoane Wissa but remain winless after losses to Portugal and Colombia, underscoring how much both attacks need a statement performance here.
SourceUzbekistan back line looking to reset after Portugal rout
Uzbekistan’s defensive unit, anchored by center‑backs Abdukodir Khusanov and Rustam Ashurmatov in front of goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov, must respond after being overwhelmed in a 5‑0 defeat to Portugal in their previous outing. With eight goals allowed over two matches, coach Srecko Katanec is likely to prioritize a more compact block and cleaner distribution from the back, leaning on experienced full‑backs like Farrukh Sayfiev and Khojiakbar Alijonov to stabilize both flanks.
SourceDR Congo’s physical spine vs Eldor Shomurodov’s hold‑up play
DR Congo possess one of the more imposing defensive spines in the tournament, with Steve Kapuadi (6'5"), Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan‑Bissaka adding height and recovery pace in front of goalkeepers Lionel Mpasi and Timothy Fayulu. Uzbekistan will likely lean on Eldor Shomurodov’s ability to receive under pressure and connect play with creative midfielders like Otabek Shukurov and Odiljon Khamrobekov, testing whether DR Congo’s physical back line can manage his movement without leaving gaps between the lines.
SourceCreative wings: Fayzullaev vs Bongonda and Wissa
Abbosbek Fayzullaev has been Uzbekistan’s brightest attacking spark, registering their only goal of the tournament so far and leading the team in xG, which makes him a focal point for breaking down DR Congo’s wide defensive structure. DR Congo, meanwhile, rely heavily on the creativity and direct running of Theo Bongonda and Yoane Wissa from wide areas, with Wissa already on the scoresheet in this World Cup and expected to stretch Uzbekistan’s full‑backs in transition.
SourceMidfield battle: Shukurov’s control vs Moutoussamy’s energy
Otabek Shukurov, backed by ball‑playing midfielders such as Jamshid Iskanderov and Akmal Mozgovoy, gives Uzbekistan a composed hub in the center of the pitch, capable of recycling possession and finding vertical passes into the front line. DR Congo counter with a balanced midfield trio featuring Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe and Charles Pickel, whose work rate and physicality are designed to disrupt build‑up and create second‑ball situations around the Uzbek penalty area.
SourceSet‑piece and aerial duels could tilt in DR Congo’s favor
With tall targets like Steve Kapuadi, Axel Tuanzebe and Simon Banza, DR Congo have a clear edge in aerial metrics and set‑piece threat, particularly against an Uzbekistan back line that has struggled to defend crosses and second phases in this tournament. Uzbekistan will need disciplined marking from Khusanov, Ashurmatov and Sherzod Nasrullaev on corners and free kicks, as any lapse against DR Congo’s size advantage could quickly swing momentum in a game where both sides have found open‑play goals hard to come by.
SourcePick Ideas
Under 2.5 total goals
Both sides have combined for only two goals through their first two group matches—Uzbekistan with one and DR Congo with one from Yoane Wissa—while struggling to create sustained high‑quality chances, which supports a lean toward a low‑scoring game.
Uzbekistan Draw No Bet
Despite a heavy defeat to Portugal, Uzbekistan’s underlying attacking pieces with Eldor Shomurodov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Otabek Shukurov offer more structured chance creation than DR Congo’s inconsistent frontline, making a Draw No Bet angle on Uzbekistan appealing against another winless opponent.
Yoane Wissa anytime goalscorer (value play)
Wissa has scored DR Congo’s only goal of the tournament and logged heavy minutes across their two group games, so backing him as an anytime scorer taps into both his form and his central role in DR Congo’s attacking plan.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev goal or assist market
Fayzullaev leads Uzbekistan in goals and xG so far and functions as their primary creative outlet from midfield, which makes a goal‑or‑assist prop an intriguing option given his involvement in most of their dangerous sequences.
First half draw
With both teams under pressure and yet to secure a win in Group K, a cautious opening where Uzbekistan try to stabilize defensively and DR Congo rely on counterattacks increases the likelihood of a level scoreline at halftime.