FIFA WC 2026: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan — date, time, TV, squads
Synopsis
DR Congo need just three points to potentially make World Cup history — their first-ever knockout-round appearance. Standing in their way are Uzbekistan, tournament debutants who have conceded eight goals in two games and need a miracle to advance. Sunday's 5 AM IST clash in Atlanta is a must-win for one side and a last stand for the other.
Key Takeaways
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan kicks off at 5:00 AM IST on Sunday, 28 June at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta .
DR Congo can reach the Round of 32 — a historic first — with a win, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
Uzbekistan have conceded eight goals in two matches and need a win plus a major goal-difference swing to advance.
Live streaming is available on Zee5 (subscription required); TV coverage on Unite8 Sports 1, 1 HD, 2, and 2 HD .
Referee for the match is Felix Zwayer .
DR Congo and Uzbekistan collide in a high-stakes FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K finale at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta on Sunday, 28 June, with both nations still harbouring hopes of advancing to the Round of 32. Kick-off is set for 5:00 AM IST, and for the Leopards, victory could mean a historic first appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds.
Group K Standings and What Each Side Needs
DR Congo enter the fixture in the stronger position. A point earned against Portugal and a narrow defeat to Colombia have left Sébastien Desabre's side well placed to qualify as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams — but only if they claim all three points on Sunday.
Uzbekistan's path is considerably steeper. Back-to-back defeats have left the tournament debutants needing not merely a win but also a substantial swing in goal difference, making their route to the knockout stage a formidable challenge.
Form, Strengths, and Weaknesses
DR Congo have built their World Cup campaign on defensive discipline and structural resilience, conceding few clear-cut chances against two of Group K's stronger sides. That organised approach is expected to serve them well against an Uzbekistan outfit that has struggled at both ends of the pitch.
Fabio Cannavaro's Uzbekistan have shown occasional attacking promise but have lacked a clinical edge in the final third, while their defence has proved vulnerable — shipping eight goals across their opening two matches. The debutants will need a dramatic turnaround in both form and fortune to extend their stay in the United States.
Where and How to Watch in India
Live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is available in India on the Zee5 platform and app, with a subscription required. Live television coverage is broadcast on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD channels.
Match Details
Date and kick-off: Sunday, 28 June, 5:00 AM IST
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA
Referee: Felix Zwayer
Full Squads
DR Congo
Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi, Mike Epolo
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Gedeon Kalulu, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Nathan Mukau, Charles Pickel, Ngal'ayel Mukau Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Theo Bongonda, Gael Kakuta
Forwards: Meschack Elia, Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa
Uzbekistan
Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov, Abduvohid Nematov, Botirali Ergashev
Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Umar Eshmurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Bekhruz Karimov, Jakhongir Urozov, Avazbek Ulmasaliev
Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Oston Urunov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Akmal Mozgovoy, Azizjon Ganiev, Sherzod Esanov
Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov, Igor Sergeev, Azizbek Amonov
With history on the line for both nations, Sunday's contest at Atlanta promises to be one of the more compelling Group K conclusions — and a defining moment for African and Central Asian football on the world stage.
Point of View
Written off before the tournament, have out-organised teams with far greater resources — their defensive shape against Portugal and Colombia was not luck, it was a system. Uzbekistan's eight goals conceded in two games, however, suggest Cannavaro has not yet found the defensive structure his club career demanded of opponents. The deeper question is whether African football's chronic under-investment in youth pathways is finally yielding results through players like Wan-Bissaka and Wissa who carry dual footballing identities. A DR Congo knockout-round appearance would be the tournament's most significant structural story — bigger than any single scoreline.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the DR Congo vs Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The match kicks off on Sunday, 28 June at 5:00 AM IST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, USA. It is the final Group K fixture for both sides.
Where can I watch DR Congo vs Uzbekistan live in India?
Live streaming is available on the Zee5 platform and app in India, with a subscription required. Live TV coverage is on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD channels.
What does DR Congo need to qualify for the Round of 32?
DR Congo need to win their Group K finale against Uzbekistan to secure qualification as one of the FIFA World Cup 2026's best third-placed teams. A draw or defeat could end their campaign.
Why is Uzbekistan's qualification path so difficult?
Uzbekistan have lost both their opening Group K matches and conceded eight goals, meaning they need not only a victory over DR Congo but also a significant improvement in goal difference to have any chance of advancing.
Who is the referee for DR Congo vs Uzbekistan?
German official Felix Zwayer has been appointed referee for the Group K clash between DR Congo and Uzbekistan on 28 June in Atlanta.
