World Cup 2026: Uzbekistan vs DR Congo Odds, Best Bets & Prediction

Betway odds, up to date at the time of writing.

With both teams eliminated, this Atlanta clash wraps up these group stage conclusions on June 27 as a pride-only contest. No pressure of qualification typically unlocks more open, attacking football, and both Uzbekistan and DR Congo have the individual talent to produce an entertaining game despite the lack of points on the line.

The Uzbek side

Uzbekistan have been outclassed in Group K: a 1-3 loss to Colombia and a heavy 0-5 defeat to Portugal. Eldor Shomurodov is the primary attacking threat, with his club form at İstanbul Başakşehir carrying over into the international stage, but the team’s collective organization has been disrupted by the quality of their opponents. Manager Fabio Cannavaro has a young squad with genuine talent that will benefit from the freedom of playing without pressure.

Without qualification stakes, Uzbekistan should express themselves more freely. Shomurodov thrives when he has space and teammates running off him, and in a game where DR Congo also push forward, those conditions could arise more naturally. For bettors, this context favors an open game with both teams scoring.

Team news: No suspensions for Uzbekistan. Shomurodov is expected to start and is likely to be the most motivated player on the field given this is his biggest competitive stage.

Predicted Lineup Uzbekistan (3-4-2-1): Nematov; Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Khamrobekov, Shukurov, Nasrullaev; Ganiev, Fayzullaev; Shomurodov.

The Congolese side

DR Congo have shown considerably more resilience: a creditable 1-1 draw with Portugal and a narrow 0-1 defeat to Colombia. Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa form a technically capable attacking unit, and Chancel Mbemba provides leadership and experience at the back. The team’s ability to hold Portugal to a draw was a genuine statement of collective quality.

DR Congo arrive here with more confidence and a clearer tactical identity than Uzbekistan. Liberated from qualification pressure, they should express their attacking qualities more fully and have the individual advantage across all positions. At -130, the DR Congo win line reflects a correct reading of the quality differential between these two sides.

Team news: No injury or suspension concerns for DR Congo. Bakambu is available and expected to lead the attack in Atlanta.

Predicted Lineup DR Congo (5-3-2): Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Bakumbu, Wissa.

Stats and Trends

• Head-to-Head: Uzbekistan and DR Congo have no significant head-to-head history in competitive football. This World Cup match is effectively their first meaningful encounter.
• Uzbekistan Trend: Uzbekistan have conceded eight goals in their two World Cup group games without keeping a clean sheet, highlighting major defensive vulnerabilities against quality opposition.
• DR Congo Trend: DR Congo held Portugal to a draw and conceded only one goal across their two group games, a considerably better defensive record than Uzbekistan despite facing stronger opponents.
• Key Player Trend: Cédric Bakambu has scored just once in DR Congo’s last seven competitive matches, but is still a main threat. In a pride game with Uzbekistan’s porous defense, he could add to that tally here.

Betway and 888sport odds, correct at the time of writing

We back DR Congo to win in Atlanta. Their collective quality is superior to Uzbekistan’s, and the freedom of a pride game should allow Bakambu and Bongonda to express themselves. On our bookmaker listings, the -130 line for DR Congo reflects the quality gap without overstating it in what should be an open, entertaining match.

The market prices DR Congo at approximately 56% to win (-130). Our estimate converges: DR Congo have shown more collective quality in this group stage, with a particularly impressive draw against Portugal. That foundation makes them the logical favourite here.

The implied probability of Over 2.5 Goals at -120 is about 54%. Our estimate sits between 50% and 56%: both teams will approach this match with more freedom, which typically increases the goal count. Both Teams to Score at -125 is also worth considering given that both squads will push forward.

DR Congo Win: -133

DR Congo at -133 (888sport) is our best bet. They are the more technically accomplished side, they drew with Portugal at this World Cup, and without qualification pressure they should express their attacking quality freely. Bakambu in particular is a handful for any defense, and Uzbekistan’s defensive record of eight goals conceded in two matches suggests he will find space to operate.