Congo DR needs a win to rewrite 52 years of World Cup history.

Uzbekistan is already eliminated. This match is entirely Congo DR's to win — or to lose — as they chase the first World Cup victory in the nation's existence.

The Matchup

Why It Matters the stakes

• A win is the only path to survival — anything less and Congo DR go home having never won a World Cup match in the nation's entire history.
  • The math: Congo DR have 1 pt and a −1 goal difference, sitting last among all 12 third-place teams. A win lifts them to 4 pts — the threshold most analysts identify as competitive for a top-8 third-place berth. A draw (2 pts) or loss (1 pt) guarantees elimination.
  • The goal difference wrinkle: Even 4 pts with a thin GD may not be sufficient. A multi-goal win is the safest play — other third-place teams finishing tonight will determine whether 4 pts at +1 GD holds up against the field.
• The ghost of 1974 is the real opponent — Congo DR came back to a World Cup after 52 years to rewrite a story that has haunted a nation.
  • The history: In 1974, as Zaire, they became the first Sub-Saharan African nation at a World Cup — then lost all three matches, conceded 14 goals (including a 9-0 humiliation by Yugoslavia), and gave the world the image of Mwepu Ilunga charging a free kick that became a symbol of colonial condescension. Mobutu's regime reportedly threatened players who lost by too wide a margin.
  • What changed: Wissa's headed goal against Portugal in Match 1 was the first World Cup goal Congo DR had ever scored in the nation's entire history. A win tonight would be the first World Cup victory. Full stop.
  • Yes, but: They were edged 1-0 by Colombia in Match 2. The quality gap between this group and a depleted Uzbekistan side is real — but Congo DR's attack has been quieter than expected outside of Wissa's moment.

• Uzbekistan exits their historic debut without a point — but not without making history that no result can undo.
  • The lead: They are the first Central Asian nation ever to appear at a World Cup — a fact that holds regardless of the scoreline tonight. Simply arriving in Atlanta completes something 36 years in the making since Uzbek independence.
  • The challenge: Coach Cannavaro has publicly insisted his side can win tonight. A side with nothing to play for is sometimes the most dangerous opponent — but Uzbekistan have conceded 8 goals in 180 minutes and scored 1. The credibility gap between attitude and execution has been the story of their debut.

By the Numbers

The Matchup tactics & absences

• Congo DR's direct, physical style and set-piece threat targets a defense that has already conceded 8 — the structural matchup heavily favors the Leopards.
  • Congo DR's approach: Desabre has set up organized and hard-pressing, using Wissa as the focal point in attack and leveraging set pieces — the corner kick that led to Wissa's Portugal goal is the template. Width and early crosses into the box will be the Plan A.
  • Uzbekistan's defense: Has repeatedly collapsed in second halves — conceded the deciding goals after halftime in both matches. Their back line has struggled to maintain shape under sustained pressure. Cannavaro's best counter is attacking early and preventing Congo DR from settling into their rhythm.
• No confirmed injuries or suspensions reported for either team ahead of this match.
• Uzbekistan's star defender Abdukodir Khusanov enters the final match of his debut tournament looking to close on a better note than an own goal.
  • Context: The Manchester City center-back — the Premier League's first Uzbek player, acquired for over $46M — was the squad's marquee name. He showed moments of genuine class in possession but his tournament included a deflected own goal in the 5-0 loss to Portugal. Against Wissa, he faces one final test.

Watch For

Group K Standings

Colombia & Portugal advancing · Congo DR alive with a win · Uzbekistan eliminated. Simultaneous kickoff: Portugal vs. Colombia also kicks off at 7:30 PM ET.

The Call

• Congo DR's motivation asymmetry is decisive: one team needs a win to survive; the other is already eliminated. That pressure differential, against a side that has leaked 8 goals in 2 matches, points strongly toward a Congo DR win.
• Uzbekistan's defensive record makes a clean sheet for Congo DR plausible: they conceded in both group matches (3-1 to Colombia, 5-0 to Portugal) and have repeatedly collapsed after halftime. Congo DR conceded just 2 goals against Colombia and Portugal — showing far more defensive cohesion.
• Wissa against Khusanov's undermanned defense is the key matchup: the Newcastle forward scored Congo DR's only tournament goal against Portugal (ranked #9 FIFA) and is the side's primary weapon. Against Uzbekistan's defense (#50), expect him to produce again.
• Uzbekistan scored 1 goal in 180 minutes — all on a goalkeeper rebound: their attacking creativity hasn't matched Cannavaro's public confidence. A Congo DR clean sheet is the base case.

Weather · Atlanta

Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a retractable roof — it closes in severe weather, making the interior climate-controlled. Hot and humid outside; comfortable playing conditions likely inside.