DR Congo's Possible Lineup to Face Uzbekistan at the FIFA World Cup 2026

DR Congo still has a chance to reach the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams and will be aiming for a must-win victory against Uzbekistan.

DR Congo still has hopes of advancing

The DR Congo national team enters its final group-stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup knowing that only a victory will keep its hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive.

Sébastien Desabre's side heads into the decisive Group K clash with one point after drawing against Portugal and narrowly losing to Colombia, leaving the African nation still in contention for one of the tournament's best third-place spots.

While qualification is no longer entirely in its own hands, DR Congo understands that collecting all three points is the first step toward extending its World Cup journey.

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How And Where To Watch: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan

A defense that has stood up against elite opposition

Despite the mixed results, DR Congo has shown encouraging signs against two of the strongest teams in the group.

Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau delivered an outstanding performance against Colombia, making several crucial saves to keep his team in the match, while the defensive unit once again proved capable of frustrating world-class opposition for long stretches.

Desabre praised his team's resilience after the defeat and will be hoping for another disciplined display in this must-win encounter.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - CAF Qualifiers - Playoffs - Final - Nigeria v Democratic Republic of Congo - Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco - November 16, 2025 Democratic Republic of Congo's Noah Sadiki celebrates scoring a penalty during a penalty shootout REUTERS/Abdelmjid Rizkou

DR Congo's possible lineup

Everything points toward Desabre sticking with the core group that has featured throughout the tournament.

Possible DR Congo lineup:

Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi-Nzau

Defenders: Joris Kayembe Kapuadi, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe

Midfielders: Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Joris Kayembe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Forwards: Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa

Victory is only part of the equation

DR Congo knows that winning alone may not be enough to reach the knockout stage.

In addition to defeating Uzbekistan, the Leopards will also need favorable results elsewhere to secure one of the remaining qualification spots available to the best third-place finishers.

With experienced leaders such as Chancel Mbemba, Cédric Bakambu, and Yoane Wissa, the African side will look to finish the group stage on a high note and keep alive its dream of advancing beyond the opening round for the first time since returning to the World Cup.