DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026

Congo are just a win away from clinching historic knockout berth in the FIFA World Cup 2026

Atlanta Stadium in the United States of America gears up to host the final matchweek fixtures of Group K in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where Asian powerhouse Uzbekistan and African outfit DR Congo lock horns in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

DR Congo are on the verge of creating history. Despite a defeat to Colombia in the last game, all they need is just a win against Uzbekistan to qualify for the next round. They may not finish among the top two in group but a win will propel them to four points and that will be enough to be among the best third ranked teams.

Uzbekistan are technically alive in the FIFA World Cup 2026. They will need more than miracles, however, to qualify for the next round. A win will take them to 3 points, but a -7 goal difference makes things difficult. They need to win the next game against Congo by a big margin, like 4-0 or 5-0, to have any chance.

This is set to be a closely contested fixture, with key player battles determining the outcome. Will Uzbekistan’s offensive setup manage to beat the resolute defensive backline of Congo, or will the African outfit get the better of the White Wolves? We shall find that out soon.

5. Abbosbek Fayzullayev vs Aaron Wan-Bissaka

At 22, Fayzullayev has competed in top Uzbek and Russian Leagues before making a high profile move to the Turkish top flight with Başakşehir. He will look to use his dynamic agility and low centre of gravity movement on the wing to beat the Congolese fullback.

Wan Bissaka is an ever-present force in the English Premier League. He is a beast in the wings for Congo. The former FA Cup champion with Manchester United will focus on using his legendary one-versus-one ground positioning to isolate the young winger on the touchline.

4. Eldor Shomurodov vs Axel Tuanzebe

The Roma midfielder has not been able to find the back of the net so far in the first two games. He is coming after a loan spell with Turkish outfit Başakşehir. He will try to make the most of his towering height and technical agility to get the better of former Man United defender Tuanzebe.

Tuanzebe will focus on challenging Shomurodov physically before the ball arrives. Keeping clean sheets has been a concern for the Congolese defence, who will be aiming to clinch a clean sheet in their final group stage match.

3. Azizjon Ganiev vs Arthur Masuaku

Arthur Masuaku has arguably been one of the best players in the defence for Congo in the World Cup, who kept a star player like Bernardo Silva quiet in the flanks. The Sunderland full-back is coming after an amazing loan spell with RC Lens after they won the Coupe de France.

Ganiev will seek to exploit set pieces and late attacking overloads to pick up those loose second balls. He plies his trade for Al Bataeh in the Emirati league, and it will not be easy to lock horns with a player like Masuaku with so much European pedigree.

2. Otabek Shukurov vs Samuel Moutoussamy

Indian origin Samuel Moutoussamy is a Coupe de France winner during his Nantes days. He currently plays for Atromitos in the Greek top flight. The former Lyon reserves prodigy will aim to win the battle by initiating heavy physical contact early on and disrupting Shukurov’s passing rhythm entirely.

This will be a grinding and highly physical war right in the centre circle. Shukurov will attempt to operate as the technical playmaker for Uzbekistan. Another player who competes in the UAE top flight, Shukurov, will be aiming to dominate the midfield battle against Samuel.

1. Abdukodir Khusanov vs Yoane Wissa

AFC U20 Asian Cup winner, Khusanov is coming after a tough outing against Portugal. One of the high profile players in Uzbekistan squad, Khusanov plays for Manchester City in the English Premier League where he locks horns with top and elite striker week in and week out.

The Congolese striker etched his name in golden letters after clinching the first-ever goal for DR Congo in World Cup history against a star-studded Portugal side. The Newcastle United striker must step up and lead his side to victory in a must win game.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.