DR Congo
4-3-3 expected XI
Upcoming
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan — FIFA World Cup 2026
DR Congo
COD
VS
Uzbekistan
UZB
June 14, 2026
16:00 ET
BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
Capacity: 45,736
DR Congo arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 1 previous appearance, their best result being Group stage (1974 as Zaire). Uzbekistan have 0 appearances on football's biggest stage, with a best finish of Debut tournament. Both sides qualified via CAF third round winners and AFC third round winners respectively. This is a rare inter-confederation clash: DR Congo of Confederation of African Football against Uzbekistan of Asian Football Confederation. Nations from different confederations meet infrequently outside World Cup tournaments.
Expected Lineups & Formation
Projected starting XIs, tactical shapes, and squad depth for DR Congo vs Uzbekistan.
Tactical Formation Diagram
Hover or tap an expected starter to open the full player profile and compare both tactical systems.
DR Congo 4-3-3 4-2-3-1 Uzbekistan
1 Lionel Mpasi 
4 Chancel Mbemba 
5 Christian Luyindama 
2 Glody Ngonda 
3 Arthur Masuaku 
6 Samuel Moutoussamy 
8 Gaël Kakuta 
10 Cédric Bakambu 
7 Yannick Bolasie 
9 Jonathan Bamba 
11 Silas Katompa 
1 Eldor Suyunov 
2 Husniddin Aliqulov 
4 Akmal Shorakhmedov 
5 Rustam Ashurmatov 
3 Khojiakbar Alijonov 
6 Oston Urunov 
8 Jaloliddin Masharipov 
10 Eldor Shomurodov 
7 Abbosbek Fayzullaev 
9 Igor Sergeev 
11 Otabek Shukurov DR Congo (4-3-3)
Uzbekistan (4-2-3-1)
DR Congo
4-3-3 · Coach: Sébastien Desabre · Squad Profile →
Substitutes Bench
Uzbekistan
4-2-3-1 · Coach: Srecko Katanec · Squad Profile →
Substitutes Bench
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan — Historic Context & Meeting Record
World Cup pedigree, confederation background, and what this fixture means for both nations.
0 previous meetings at senior international level
Historic first meeting — FIFA World Cup 2026
This is a rare inter-confederation clash: DR Congo of Confederation of African Football against Uzbekistan of Asian Football Confederation. Nations from different confederations meet infrequently outside World Cup tournaments. This group stage fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026 represents their first-ever competitive encounter.
DR Congo
ConfederationConfederation of African Football
World Cup Apps1
Best ResultGroup stage (1974 as Zaire)
QualificationCAF third round winners
Uzbekistan
ConfederationAsian Football Confederation
World Cup Apps0
Best ResultDebut tournament
QualificationAFC third round winners
📍 Venue Fact Sheet — BMO Field
Opened2007 (renovated 2016)
SurfaceNatural grass
Capacity45,736
ArchitectBrisbin Brook Beynon Architects
WC 2026 Matches4
Notable EventsMLS Cup finals, 2015 Pan American Games
Notable Matches at This Venue
| Year | Competition | Teams | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | MLS Cup | Toronto FC vs Seattle Sounders | Toronto FC 2–0 Seattle |
| 2026 | FIFA World Cup | 4 matches scheduled | TBC |
Team Form & Recent Outings
How DR Congo and Uzbekistan arrive at the World Cup based on their last five competitive fixtures.
DR Congo
DWLWW
3W 1D 1L · 7 GF · 2 GA · 3 CS
Verified data — source: martj42/international_results (results.csv) · updated 2026-03-31
W 1-0
31 Mar 2026 · FIFA World Cup qualification · vs Jamaica (N)
W 2-0
25 Mar 2026 · Friendly · vs Bermuda (N)
L 0-1
6 Jan 2026 · African Cup of Nations · vs Algeria (N)
W 3-0
30 Dec 2025 · African Cup of Nations · vs Botswana (N)
D 1-1
27 Dec 2025 · African Cup of Nations · vs Senegal (N)
Uzbekistan
WDDWD
2W 3D 0L · 7 GF · 3 GA · 3 CS
Verified data — source: martj42/international_results (results.csv) · updated 2026-03-30
D 0-0
30 Mar 2026 · FIFA Series · vs Venezuela (H)
W 3-1
27 Mar 2026 · FIFA Series · vs Gabon (H)
D 2-2
26 Jan 2026 · Friendly · vs China PR (N)
D 0-0
18 Nov 2025 · Al Ain International Cup · vs Iran (N)
W 2-0
14 Nov 2025 · Al Ain International Cup · vs Egypt (N)
Key Players to Watch
Six individuals who could decide the outcome of DR Congo vs Uzbekistan at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
DR Congo
Player to Watch
Cédric Bakambu
12 caps · 7 goals
Fastest player in squad (35.2 km/h)
Cédric Bakambu is enjoying a career-best season at Betis, translating club form into international impact. Sébastien Desabre relies heavily on their creativity in the final third to maintain DR Congo's competitive edge.
Silas Katompa
89 caps · 4 goals
Captain — 87 caps of experience
A mainstay of the DR Congo national team with over 23 caps, Silas Katompa brings leadership and technical quality. Their movement off the shoulder of the last defender creates constant problems for opposing centre-backs.
Ben Malango
63 caps · 33 goals
Set-piece specialist — 8 direct free-kick goals
Ben Malango is enjoying a career-best season at Raja CA, translating club form into international impact. Sébastien Desabre relies heavily on their creativity in the final third to maintain DR Congo's competitive edge.
Uzbekistan
Player to Watch
Eldor Shomurodov
38 caps · 13 goals
Key press trigger in high block system
A mainstay of the Uzbekistan national team with over 26 caps, Eldor Shomurodov brings leadership and technical quality. Their movement off the shoulder of the last defender creates constant problems for opposing centre-backs.
Igor Sergeev
76 caps · 1 goals
Most carries into opposition box
Igor Sergeev has been instrumental in Uzbekistan's qualifying campaign, delivering clutch performances in high-pressure away fixtures. Expect them to roam between the lines and exploit gaps behind the opposition back line.
Dostonbek Khamdamov
77 caps · 22 goals
Top scorer in qualifying campaign
A mainstay of the Uzbekistan national team with over 29 caps, Dostonbek Khamdamov brings leadership and technical quality. Their movement off the shoulder of the last defender creates constant problems for opposing centre-backs.
Tactical Analysis
A deep dive into how Sébastien Desabre and Srecko Katanec will set their sides up tactically for this FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage clash.
DR Congo — 4-3-3
System Overview
A balanced system with width from full-backs and a single pivot shielding the back four.
Attacking Patterns
DR Congo's set-piece threat is significant — they scored 12 goals from corners and free-kicks in qualifying.
Defensive Shape
DR Congo drops into a mid-block when leading, compressing vertical space between the lines.
Uzbekistan — 4-2-3-1
System Overview
A structured block with a double pivot and a roaming playmaker behind the striker.
Attacking Patterns
DR Congo favours quick transitions within 5 seconds of winning possession — a direct counter-attacking style.
Defensive Shape
DR Congo defends in a compact 4-4-2 low block, funneling play wide where they have aerial dominance.
Key Tactical Battle to Watch
The decisive tactical battle will be DR Congo's three-man defence against Uzbekistan's wing-back system. If Sébastien Desabre can neutralise Uzbekistan's primary creator in central zones, DR Congo should control the tempo.
Match Prediction & AI Forecast
Data-driven outlook for DR Congo vs Uzbekistan based on squad depth, recent form, and historical head-to-head trends.
AI Forecast
FavouriteEither side (very close)
Confidence52%
Likely Scorelines1-1 · 2-1 · 1-2
Factors for DR Congo
- Both sides are evenly matched in FIFA rankings and squad depth
- Tactical familiarity between Sébastien Desabre and Srecko Katanec from previous encounters
Factors for Uzbekistan
- Unpredictable World Cup opening-match nerves for both squads
- VAR and refereeing decisions could heavily influence a tight contest
This forecast is generated by an editorial AI model using squad-depth heuristics and confederation strength indices. It is not a betting tip.
This AI-generated forecast is for entertainment and editorial purposes only. It does not constitute betting advice. Always gamble responsibly.
Tickets & Pricing
Secure your seat for DR Congo vs Uzbekistan at BMO Field, Toronto on June 14, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions — DR Congo vs Uzbekistan
Who is playing in DR Congo vs Uzbekistan at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
DR Congo face Uzbekistan on June 14, 2026 at BMO Field. The match features DR Congo's 4-3-3 system under head coach Sébastien Desabre against Uzbekistan's 4-2-3-1 shape managed by Srecko Katanec.
What time does DR Congo vs Uzbekistan kick off?
Kick-off is scheduled for the local match time shown above. Check your local broadcaster for timezone conversion. FIFA recommends arriving at the stadium at least 90 minutes before kick-off.
Where is DR Congo vs Uzbekistan being played?
The match takes place at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. The stadium has a capacity of 45,736 spectators.
How to buy FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets for DR Congo vs Uzbekistan?
Tickets are available through the official FIFA Ticketing portal at fifa.com/tickets. Categories range from $60 (Category 3) to $450+ (Hospitality). Create a FIFA ID and select your preferred seating tier during the sales phase.
What formation will DR Congo and Uzbekistan use?
DR Congo typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation under Sébastien Desabre, while Uzbekistan favour a 4-2-3-1 system with Srecko Katanec. Expected lineups are listed in the team sheets above.
Who are the key players to watch in DR Congo vs Uzbekistan?
For DR Congo, watch Lionel Mpasi in attack. For Uzbekistan, Eldor Suyunov leads the line. Both teams rely on experienced midfield engines to control tempo.
What TV channel is broadcasting DR Congo vs Uzbekistan?
Broadcast rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are held by Fox Sports (USA), TelevisaUnivision (Mexico), TSN (Canada), BBC/ITV (UK), ARD/ZDF (Germany), and beIN Sports (Middle East). Check your local listings for the exact channel in your territory.
Has DR Congo ever reached the World Cup knockout stage?
DR Congo have reached the knockout rounds in some tournaments, with their best ever finish being Group stage (1974 as Zaire).
Has Uzbekistan ever reached the World Cup knockout stage?
Uzbekistan have reached the knockout rounds in some tournaments, with their best ever finish being Debut tournament.
All tickets are sold through the official FIFA Ticketing Portal. Create a FIFA ID to purchase Category 1–3 or Hospitality packages. Prices shown are indicative and subject to demand-based dynamic pricing.