Colombia vs DR Congo Prediction: World Cup 2026 Preview & Best Bets | OneFootball

Colombia arrive in Guadalajara with three points banked and a squad bursting with quality — but DR Congo have already proved they are no easy night out at this World Cup…

Match: Colombia vs DR Congo Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026 Kick-off: 02:00 BST (20:00 local, UTC-6) Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (Zapopan), Mexico Stage: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group K, Matchday 2 TV/Streaming (UK): ITV / ITVX

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Group K Standings

Colombia lead Group K with three points after their opening victory, with DR Congo, Portugal and Uzbekistan all still in contention. A win here would put Colombia in commanding control of the group, while DR Congo know that defeat would likely spell elimination before the final matchday.

What’s at Stake

Colombia can effectively book their place in the last 32 with a victory here, putting six points on the board with a matchday-three clash against Portugal to follow. For DR Congo, the equation is simple and unforgiving: a defeat almost certainly ends their first World Cup campaign in 52 years before it has truly begun, with Portugal likely to beat Uzbekistan in the other Group K fixture. A draw keeps their hopes mathematically alive but leaves precious little margin for error going into that final game against the South Americans.

Verdict

Colombia are the clear pick here: they carry a 3-1 World Cup win on the board, possess a genuinely elite attacking threat in Luis Diaz, and face a DR Congo side that has yet to beat a recognised football nation at this tournament. Colombia to win at 8/15 is short but justified by the gulf in class and the pressure on DR Congo, while the Under 2.5 goals market at 4/6 has real appeal given the Leopards’ cautious approach against Portugal.

Colombia vs DR Congo Match Preview

This is the game that could define both sides’ tournament. Colombia, back at the World Cup after missing out in Qatar, have hit the ground running under Nestor Lorenzo. The 3-1 opening win over Uzbekistan was convincing rather than comprehensive, with goals from Luis Diaz, Daniel Munoz and Jaminton Campaz underlining a squad with attacking depth at every level. James Rodriguez, 34, continues to pull strings from midfield, and the combination of technical quality and physical tempo makes Colombia one of the most watchable sides in the Americas.

DR Congo’s story is extraordinary in its own right. The Leopards made their return to the World Cup stage after a 52-year absence, and in their first match they drew 1-1 with Portugal, with Yoane Wissa writing himself into his country’s football history by scoring their first-ever World Cup goal. Sebastien Desabre has moulded a physically imposing, well-organised side, but the step up in class against Colombia will test them severely. The question is whether the tactical discipline that frustrated Portugal can hold firm against a Colombian attack with far more variety.

Estadio Akron in Zapopan provides a spectacular backdrop, and a partisan crowd atmosphere is guaranteed. Colombia will be well supported, and the altitude and heat of Guadalajara should suit a South American side more accustomed to those conditions. Expect Lorenzo’s men to control possession, but DR Congo are well drilled on the counter and the game could be tighter than the odds suggest in the first half at least.

Team Form

Colombia

– Uzbekistan (N): Won 3-1 (FIFA World Cup, 17 June 2026) – Jordan (N): Won 2-0 (Friendly, 7 June 2026) – Costa Rica (H): Won 3-1 (Friendly, 1 June 2026) – France (N): Lost 1-3 (Friendly, 29 March 2026) – Croatia (N): Lost 1-2 (Friendly, 26 March 2026)

Colombia’s competitive form is the key context here. Friendly losses to France and Croatia look far less alarming once you strip them back: both opponents are genuine World Cup contenders. The wins over Costa Rica and Jordan in the final warm-up schedule showed sharpness in front of goal, and the Uzbekistan result demonstrated that Colombia can shift through the gears when they need to at this tournament.

DR Congo

– Portugal (N): Drew 1-1 (FIFA World Cup, 17 June 2026) – Chile (N): Lost 1-2 (Friendly, 9 June 2026) – Denmark (N): Drew 0-0 (Friendly, 3 June 2026) – Jamaica (N): Won 1-0 (FIFA World Cup qualification, 31 March 2026) – Bermuda (N): Won 2-0 (Friendly, 25 March 2026)

DR Congo’s pre-tournament record tells the story of a side that is hard to beat but struggles to impose themselves on quality opposition. The 0-0 with Denmark and narrow win over Jamaica are fine results in context. The Portugal draw was genuinely impressive, but that was a team content to sit back and hit on the counter. Against Colombia’s pressing and creativity, the Leopards will need something more proactive if they are to collect points from this fixture.

Colombia vs DR Congo Head-to-Head

There is no previous meeting between Colombia and DR Congo to reference. This Group K clash in Guadalajara will be the first competitive encounter between the two nations. With no head-to-head history, there are no psychological scars on either side, and the narrative is shaped entirely by current form and tournament context rather than any historical ledger.

Team News

Colombia have no significant injury concerns reported ahead of this fixture. Nestor Lorenzo has a full-strength squad to select from, and the continuity from the Uzbekistan win is expected. Luis Diaz, who scored in that opening game and is firmly established as Colombia’s most dangerous attacking weapon, is fit and available. James Rodriguez continues to operate in a deeper creative role and showed no signs of fatigue against Uzbekistan.

The only selection question for Lorenzo is whether to rotate at all given the Portugal game on matchday three. The temptation to rest key players is real, but the incentive to seal qualification early with a second win is equally compelling. Expect the bulk of the starting XI from the Uzbekistan match to be retained, with perhaps one or two changes in wide and midfield positions.

For DR Congo, Sebastien Desabre named an unchanged squad after the Portugal draw and there are no reported suspensions. Yoane Wissa, the Newcastle United forward who scored that historic goal, is fully fit and leads the attack. Chancel Mbemba, with over a century of caps, anchors the defence and brings the kind of experience and leadership that will be critical against Colombia’s attacking lines. Aaron Wan-Bissaka provides dynamic energy at right back and is expected to start again.

Predicted Lineups

Colombia

Colombia (4-2-3-1): David Ospina; Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios; Jhon Arias (c), James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz; Luis Suarez

Predicted XI: squads to be confirmed.

DR Congo

DR Congo (4-3-3): Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba (c), Dylan Batubinsika, Arthur Masuaku; Samuel Moutoussamy, Charles Pickel, Edo Kayembe; Meschak Elia, Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu

Predicted XI: squads to be confirmed.

Key Tactical Matchup

The duel that shapes this game is Luis Diaz against Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Diaz, who already has a World Cup goal to his name at this tournament and carries 22 international goals across 74 caps for Colombia, will operate predominantly from the left and will target the DR Congo right flank with pace and directness. Wan-Bissaka is an athletic, disciplined defender, but Diaz’s ability to cut inside onto his right foot and deliver into the box creates problems that require collective defensive support rather than individual marking alone. If Desabre’s midfield three cannot shift across quickly enough to double up on Diaz, Colombia’s most potent threat will have space to cause serious damage.

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Colombia to Win

Colombia to Win @ 8/15. Colombia lead Group K, have a fully fit squad, and face a DR Congo side that has yet to win a match against a recognised football nation at this World Cup. Lorenzo’s men scored three in their opening game, carry genuine attacking depth, and have every incentive to seal qualification here. The price reflects the market consensus, but there is no value argument for opposing it given the context.

Under 2.5 Goals

Under 2.5 Goals @ 4/6. DR Congo conceded just five goals in nine qualifying matches, and their defensive structure frustrated Portugal through an entire World Cup group game. Even if Colombia win comfortably, a tight 1-0 or 2-0 scoreline is the most likely route. The goals market at 5/4 for Over 2.5 feels generous to the overs when all evidence points to a compact, low-scoring contest.

Luis Diaz Anytime Scorer

Luis Diaz to Score Anytime. Diaz is Colombia’s standout attacker, having already scored at this tournament and carrying seven goals in his recent international scoring run. He will directly target the DR Congo right flank and generates more shots on goal than any other Colombian player. Back him to get on the scoresheet in what should be a productive evening for Colombia’s attacking unit.

Colombia to Win and Under 2.5 Goals

Colombia Win and Under 2.5 Goals (Bet Builder / Acca). Combining Colombia’s likely winning margin with the low-scoring tendency of both teams in competitive matches gives a compelling Colombia vs DR Congo bet builder option. DR Congo’s caution will limit the game, but Colombia have the quality to take the three points without needing a goalfest. This combination suits both the form data and the tactical shape of this fixture.

Colombia vs DR Congo Betting Odds

Here is a snapshot of the best available prices on the main match markets for this Group K encounter.

Colombia are clear favourites across all leading operators at the time of writing. The draw at 10/3 reflects DR Congo’s defensive solidity, while the Leopards’ outright win price of 13/2 is available at the best available price for those looking at Colombia vs DR Congo each way or accumulator options.

How to Watch and How to Bet

How to Watch

Colombia vs DR Congo is broadcast live in the UK on ITV and ITVX, with free-to-air coverage kicking off ahead of the 02:00 BST start. ITVX offers a free live stream for viewers in the UK, making it straightforward to catch this Group K decider from Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.

How to Bet

New to betting on the World Cup? Here is a straightforward guide to getting your Colombia vs DR Congo picks placed.

Responsible Gambling

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