Colombia and DR Congo meet in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K clash at Estadio Akron, with a potential Round of 16 berth on the line.

After opening their campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, Colombia know another win would virtually secure qualification for the knockout rounds. DR Congo earned one of the tournament’s surprise results by holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw and arrive with confidence, but anything less than victory could leave their qualification hopes dependent on other results.

With Portugal expected to challenge Uzbekistan in the group’s other fixture, both sides understand the significance of three points in Guadalajara.

Colombia vs DR Congo Match Details

Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage: Group K
Date: June 24, 2026
Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
Kick-Off Time: 3:00 AM (WAT)

Colombia vs DR Congo Match Preview

Colombia have made an impressive start to their World Cup campaign.

Néstor Lorenzo’s side dispatched Uzbekistan 3-1 on Matchday 1 with goals from Luis Díaz, Jaminton Campaz, and Daniel Muñoz. More importantly, the performance showcased the balance within this Colombian squad. They can dominate possession, attack quickly in transition, and create chances from multiple areas of the pitch.

James Rodríguez continues to be the creative heartbeat of the team, while Díaz remains one of the most dangerous wide attackers in international football. With qualification within reach, Colombia will look to maintain control of Group K before facing Portugal in the final group match.

DR Congo, meanwhile, produced one of the stories of Matchday 1.

The Leopards came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Portugal, with Yoane Wissa scoring DR Congo’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal. Sebastien Desabre’s side showed defensive discipline, resilience, and an ability to punish opponents on the counterattack.

However, Colombia present a different challenge.

Unlike Portugal, who dominated possession without creating enough clear opportunities, Colombia attack with greater verticality and possess more pace in wide areas. If DR Congo cannot contain Díaz and Colombia’s transitions, they could find themselves under pressure for long stretches.

Team Form

Colombia Recent Form

• Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan – FIFA World Cup
• Colombia 2-0 Jordan – Friendly
• Colombia 3-1 Costa Rica – Friendly
• France 3-1 Colombia – Friendly
• Croatia 2-1 Colombia – Friendly

Colombia have won three of their last five matches and scored nine goals during that period. Their opening World Cup victory confirmed they have arrived in strong form.

DR Congo Recent Form

• Portugal 1-1 DR Congo – FIFA World Cup
• Chile 2-1 DR Congo – Friendly
• Denmark 0-0 DR Congo – Friendly
• DR Congo 1-0 Jamaica – World Cup Qualification
• DR Congo 2-0 Bermuda – Friendly

DR Congo are unbeaten in three of their last five matches and continue to build their reputation as a difficult side to break down. Their draw against Portugal demonstrated their defensive organization and fighting spirit.

Colombia vs DR Congo Head-to-Head

This will be the first-ever meeting between Colombia and DR Congo at senior international level.

With no historical meetings to reference, both sides enter the match without any head-to-head advantage.

Team News

Colombia Team News

Colombia have no major injury concerns heading into Matchday 2.

Luis Díaz remains the team’s biggest attacking threat after scoring in the opener, while James Rodríguez continues to pull the strings in midfield. Jhon Arias, Richard Ríos, and Daniel Muñoz all impressed against Uzbekistan and are expected to retain their places.

Néstor Lorenzo is unlikely to make significant changes after such a convincing opening performance.

DR Congo Team News

DR Congo also report a fully fit squad.

Captain Chancel Mbemba remains the defensive leader, while Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa carry the attacking burden. Aaron Wan-Bissaka impressed against Portugal and will once again be tasked with stopping one of the world’s most dangerous wingers in Luis Díaz.

Sebastien Desabre is expected to name a similar lineup to the side that earned a valuable point against Portugal.

Predicted Lineups

Colombia Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Vargas; Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Lucumí, Mojica; Lerma, Richard Ríos; Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz; Jhon Córdoba

DR Congo Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba (C), Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Pickel, Kayembe, Moutoussamy; Wissa, Bakambu, Meschack Elia

Key Tactical Battle

Luis Díaz vs Aaron Wan-Bissaka

The most intriguing duel of the match takes place on Colombia’s left flank.

Luis Díaz was outstanding against Uzbekistan and remains Colombia’s primary attacking weapon. His pace, dribbling ability, and tendency to cut inside make him a constant threat.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is one of the strongest defensive full-backs in international football and performed well against Portugal. However, containing Díaz for 90 minutes is an entirely different challenge.

If Díaz wins this matchup consistently, Colombia will create enough opportunities to control the game.

Key Stats

• Colombia won 3-1 against Uzbekistan on Matchday 1.
• DR Congo held Portugal to a 1-1 draw.
• Luis Díaz has scored in his last two international appearances.
• Colombia have scored 9 goals in their last 3 victories.
• DR Congo scored their first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Portugal.
• Colombia are appearing in their 7th FIFA World Cup.
• DR Congo are competing in only their 2nd World Cup finals.

Colombia vs DR Congo Best Bets

Main Pick

✅ Colombia to Win

Colombia possess greater squad depth, more tournament experience, and superior attacking quality. Their performance against Uzbekistan suggested a team capable of controlling matches and converting chances efficiently.

Goals Market

✅ Under 2.5 Goals

DR Congo showed against Portugal that they can remain compact defensively. Colombia should win, but a low-scoring contest appears the most likely outcome.

Anytime Goalscorer

✅ Luis Díaz Anytime Scorer

The Bayern Munich winger scored in the opener and remains Colombia’s most dangerous attacking player. His ability to find space in transition makes him an excellent scorer selection.

Value Bet

✅ Colombia Win to Nil

DR Congo’s defensive structure is strong, but their attacking opportunities may be limited against a disciplined Colombian side. A clean-sheet victory for Colombia offers additional value.

Correct Score Prediction

Colombia 2-0 DR Congo

DR Congo should remain competitive and organized, but Colombia’s superior quality in the final third should ultimately prove decisive.

A controlled Colombian victory would all but secure qualification for the knockout rounds.

Prediction: Colombia 2-0 DR Congo