Congo DR vs Uzbekistan - World Cup

The World Cup returns to the home ground on June 27, 2026, where Congo DR and Uzbekistan will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Manchester United have signed Cristian Orozco(Image: Getty Images) According to TEAMTalk, Manchester United may face a transfer setback if Manchester City midfielder Rodri moves to Barcelona.

There is little to choose between Congo DR and Uzbekistan on paper, and the World Cup encounter should reflect that balance. Congo DR will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. Uzbekistan will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Michael Carrick has spoken on why Marcus Rashford did not feature for Manchester United in the club's most recent pre-season outing.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Congo DR will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Uzbekistan must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Amad won possession in the PSG half before laying the ball off for Bryan Mbeumo to score.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. The five-goal thrashing of Valencia featured some standout performers with Pedri applauded off by the home fans at Mestalla.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the World Cup standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.