World Cup · Jun 27, 2026 · 23:30 · Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Final score: Congo DR 3–1 Uzbekistan
Match preview
The 2026 World Cup campaign kicks off for both Congo DR and Uzbekistan on June 27th, with neither side having registered a competitive fixture yet, meaning early form and momentum will be paramount. With identical records of zero wins, draws, or losses, and no goals scored or conceded, this encounter at the start of the qualification cycle presents a clean slate and an intriguing tactical battle.
The home advantage for Congo DR could prove crucial in a fixture where the betting odds suggest an evenly matched contest, with a 33% chance of victory for either side or a draw. For Congo DR, the narrative will be about establishing their authority on home soil and laying down an early marker in a potentially challenging group. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, will aim to defy the away pressure and demonstrate their ambition for a World Cup berth.
Key narratives will revolve around which team can settle quickest and exploit any early nerves from the opposition. With both sides effectively starting from scratch, watch for disciplined defensive displays and opportunistic attacking moves. Individual moments of brilliance or tactical masterstrokes from the dugout could easily sway a game expected to be tightly contested and potentially low-scoring. The team that shows greater cohesion and composure in the opening exchanges will likely gain the upper hand.
1. L. Mpasi-Nzau, 2. A. Wan-Bissaka, 22. C. Mbemba, 4. A. Tuanzebe, 3. S. Kapuadi, 26. A. Masuaku, 6. N. Mukau, 8. S. Moutoussamy, 25. E. Kayembe, 17. C. Bakambu, 20. Y. Wissa
12. A. Nematov, 2. A. Khusanov, 18. A. Abdullaev, 5. R. Ashurmatov, 24. B. Karimov, 9. O. Khamrobekov, 7. O. Shukurov, 13. S. Nasrullaev, 19. A. Ganiev, 22. A. Fayzullaev, 14. E. Shomurodov
Match events
10' Goal Normal Goal — E. Shomurodov (Uzbekistan) (assists: A. Mozgovoy)
17' Var Goal Disallowed - Foul — N. Mbuku (Congo DR)
21' Card Yellow Card — N. Sadiki (Congo DR)
43' Card Yellow Card — A. Khusanov (Uzbekistan)
45'+5 Card Yellow Card — N. Mbuku (Congo DR)
48' Card Yellow Card — S. Nasrullaev (Uzbekistan)
51' subst Substitution 1 — C. Bakambu (Congo DR) (assists: F. Mayele)
59' subst Substitution 1 — O. Shukurov (Uzbekistan) (assists: O. Khamrobekov)
59' subst Substitution 2 — D. Khamdamov (Uzbekistan) (assists: A. Ganiev)
62' Card Yellow Card — S. Moutoussamy (Congo DR)
68' Goal Penalty — Y. Wissa (Congo DR)
72' subst Substitution 2 — B. Cipenga (Congo DR) (assists: T. Bongonda)
72' subst Substitution 3 — S. Moutoussamy (Congo DR) (assists: N. Mukau)
72' subst Substitution 4 — N. Mbuku (Congo DR) (assists: M. Elia)
73' subst Substitution 3 — A. Fayzullaev (Uzbekistan) (assists: O. Urunov)
78' Goal Normal Goal — F. Mayele (Congo DR)
82' subst Substitution 4 — A. Mozgovoy (Uzbekistan) (assists: J. Iskanderov)
82' subst Substitution 5 — J. Urozov (Uzbekistan) (assists: I. Sergeev)
83' subst Substitution 5 — A. Masuaku (Congo DR) (assists: J. Kayembe)
90'+1 Goal Normal Goal — Y. Wissa (Congo DR) (assists: M. Elia)
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