How can Uzbekistan still qualify for Round of 32 of FIFA World Cup 2026?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
The White Wolves are yet to win a World Cup 2026 group game.
Uzbekistan have an 8% probability (still) of reaching the Round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They are in Group K. Their next match is against DR Congo on June 27 in Atlanta.
Uzbekistan may advance to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing as one of the eight best third-placed teams from the 12 groups. They won’t be eligible for the top two pathway after Colombia defeated DR Congo 1-0 today in Group K.
The top two groups in each group automatically progress, as do the eight best third-place finishers. With the group stage’s last matches approaching, here’s what Uzbekistan have to do to get to the knockout rounds:
What do Uzbekistan need to do to qualify for the knockout round?
Despite losing their first two group matches in their debut FIFA World Cup, the White Wolves still have minimal chances of securing their place in the round of 32.
Uzbekistan must beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their last group game.
Winning alone may not be sufficient. Uzbekistan will need a convincing win over Congo DR to improve their overall goal differential.
If Uzbekistan win against Congo DR and earns three points, other outcomes in Groups K, L, and throughout the tournament must fall into place. They will use the eight best third-place tiebreaker methods, which prioritise points, goal differential, and goals scored.
If they had progressed as the Group K runners-up, they would have faced the Group L (represented by England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama) runners-up.
Can Uzbekistan still qualify?
Yes, they will need to win their next group match. The other results should also go in their favour.
Who are their last group stage opponent?
DR Congo.
When is their game against DR Congo?
It’s on 28th June at 5 am IST.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.
After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.