Uzbekistan vs DR Congo

Uzbekistan and DR Congo conclude their Group K campaigns with what is likely a straight shootout for third place and, perhaps, one of the best third-place spots in the round of thirty-two. Neither side has faced the other before, and their contrasting styles make this a genuinely difficult match to call. Congo will lean on their physicality — Mbemba at the back, Wissa's relentless running — while Uzbekistan will trust in the discipline that carried them through qualifying, a structured 4-5-1 that concedes space reluctantly and forces opponents into wide areas where crosses are mopped up by a well-drilled back line. Shomurodov's role becomes critical here: isolated for long stretches, he must hold the ball and bring Aliqulov and the wide midfielders into play. Congo's approach is more direct, and when Wissa receives in pockets of space between the lines, he has the acceleration to punish any defensive switch-off. Both managers could rotate, but Congo's squad is thinner, meaning fatigue from the Portugal match may bite harder.

If Uzbekistan can establish tempo early without overcommitting, their superior organization should edge a contest neither side can afford to lose. This is knockout football dressed as a group match, and the tension will reflect that from the first whistle.