DR Congo chases first World Cup knockout berth since 1974 against eliminated Uzbekistan
After a draw with Portugal and a narrow loss to Colombia, DR Congo needs victory over Uzbekistan on Saturday night to reach the World Cup last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
The DR Congo national team, competing in its first World Cup since 1974, enters the final Group K match against Uzbekistan with a single point and no margin for error. Only a win will give the Leopards a chance to advance to the knockout stage, relying on results elsewhere to secure one of the best third-place slots.
Coach Sebastien Desabre acknowledged the pressure but expressed confidence in his squad's readiness.
Our players are ready to take on this challenge, even if Uzbekistan is very well organized and committed in their matches. Things are clear for us: we have one point from two matches and tomorrow a victory will be necessary, so we will have to take risks.
Desabre added that the team intends to deploy a game plan designed to score, leaning on the offensive quality of players accustomed to finding the net in their club careers. He said the group has gained valuable experience from holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw and losing narrowly to Colombia (1-0).
Uzbekistan's motivation
Uzbekistan cannot advance but coach Fabio Cannavaro, the former Italian international, said his team is determined to claim a first World Cup win.
It would be fantastic, not just for now but also for the future. If we foreign coaches come to Uzbekistan, it is to try to improve, not to change: to try to improve the mentality, the philosophy and the players.
Cannavaro noted that laying groundwork now is essential for possibly returning to the tournament with Uzbekistan in 2026.
National backing
President Felix Tshisekedi has publicly encouraged the national team ahead of the decisive fixture, underscoring how much a round-of-16 appearance would mean to the country. Desabre said the squad is already proud to have given Congo its first point at a World Cup and hopes to keep the dream alive for all Congolese.
The match kicks off in the night from Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 June, capping a long group-phase programme that also sees England and Portugal trying to secure their own progression.
