DR Congo vs Uzbekistan — World Cup 2026

Tale of the tape.

Three duels that decide it.

// Right wing vs Left back · Moscow meets Ligue 1

T. Bongonda

#10 · Spartak Moscow

VS

A. Khusanov

#2 · Lens

Bongonda's electric pace and directness will test the youngster Khusanov's positioning and recovery speed. The Spartak flyer thrives on the half-turn; Lens's defender must stay compact and avoid needless fouling.

// Central striker vs Defending line · La Liga sharpness

C. Bakambu

#17 · Real Betis

VS

A. Khusanov

#2 · Lens

Bakambu's movement and finishing nous, honed in La Liga, will demand constant vigilance from Uzbekistan's backline, anchored by Khusanov's distribution. The Real Betis forward feeds off loose pressing and transitions.

// Central midfield · Belgian intensity vs Central Asia craft

N. Sadiki

#14 · Union St. Gilloise

VS

A. Gʻaniyev

#10 · Al Bataeh

Sadiki's press and box-to-box energy will disrupt Gʻaniyev's rhythm; the Al Bataeh playmaker must find pockets quickly or risk turnovers in dangerous areas. This midfield duel sets the tempo for the entire match.

Chaos vs. Craft

Desabre's DR Congo harness pacy, direct football—pressing high and transitioning through wide runners—against Cannavaro's Uzbeks, who build slowly and probe for the killer pass. One side wants velocity; the other wants architecture.

Win probability.

Even-money default — ranks not yet on file.

The bench faceoff.

DR Congo · Head coach

S. Desabre

Uzbekistan · Head coach

F. Cannavaro

Where to watch.