Another Statement Performance from DR Congo? Colombia vs DR Congo Prediction | June 24, 2026
One of the key matches in Group K takes place on June 24 in Zapopan, where Colombia face DR Congo in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. Colombia opened the tournament with a convincing victory, while DR Congo produced one of the biggest surprises of the opening round. Three points here could put the South Americans on the verge of qualification for the Round of 16.
Match Preview
Colombia returned to the World Cup after missing the 2022 tournament and immediately reminded everyone why they are considered one of South America's strongest teams. Under Nestor Lorenzo, Los Cafeteros enjoyed an excellent qualifying campaign, recording major victories over both Brazil and Argentina on their way to securing a place at the tournament.
This is Colombia's seventh World Cup appearance. Their best result came in 2014 when they reached the quarter-finals, while James Rodriguez finished as the tournament's top scorer. The experienced playmaker is now leading a new generation that combines experience with pace and creativity.
Colombia began their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan. Daniel Munoz opened the scoring before Luis Diaz delivered a goal and an assist in a dominant attacking display. Jhaminton Campaz sealed the win deep into stoppage time. Colombia controlled 61% possession, completed 444 passes, and registered 15 shots, underlining their superiority throughout the match.
Luis Diaz was the standout performer and continues to be one of the most dangerous attacking players in the tournament. Alongside James Rodriguez, Richard Rios, Jefferson Lerma, and Jhon Arias, Colombia possess enough quality to trouble virtually any defense in the competition.
- Possible Colombia Lineup: Vargas, Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica, Lerma, Puerta, Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz, Suares.
Meanwhile, DR Congo have already exceeded expectations. The Leopards are participating in only their second World Cup and their first since 1974, when they competed as Zaire and suffered three defeats without scoring a goal.
Their road to the 2026 World Cup was remarkable. After navigating African qualifying, they eliminated Cameroon and Nigeria before securing their place at the tournament through an intercontinental playoff victory over Jamaica.
DR Congo produced one of the biggest surprises of the opening round by holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw. Despite facing a team led by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Africans defended brilliantly and earned the first World Cup point in their history. Yoane Wissa scored the equalizer just before halftime, becoming the first Congolese player ever to score at a World Cup.
Sebastien Desabre's side relied on a disciplined defensive structure and outstanding performances from Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, and goalkeeper Mpasi-Nzau. Portugal dominated possession and registered 7 shots, but DR Congo's organization and determination kept them in the game.
However, facing Colombia presents a different challenge. Unlike Portugal, Colombia attack with greater pace and directness, particularly through Luis Diaz and overlapping full-back Daniel Munoz.
- Possible DR Congo Lineup: Mpasi-Nzau, Masuaku, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka, Kayembe, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Bakambu, Wissa.
Key Trends
- DR Congo are playing in only their second World Cup and first since 1974.
- The Leopards earned their first-ever World Cup point after drawing 1-1 with Portugal.
- Colombia and DR Congo have never faced each other before.
Prediction
DR Congo deserve enormous credit for their performance against Portugal, but repeating that level against another high-quality opponent will be difficult. Their defensive organization frustrated Portugal, yet Colombia possess more speed in wide areas and greater variety in attack. The South Americans know that a victory would almost guarantee qualification for the knockout stage, and they enter this match with momentum, confidence, and superior individual quality across the pitch. James Rodriguez continues to dictate play, while Luis Diaz looks capable of creating decisive moments whenever Colombia move forward. DR Congo should remain competitive and dangerous on the counterattack through Wissa and Bakambu, but over 90 minutes Colombia's attacking depth and technical quality are expected to make the difference. Recommended Bet: Colombia to Win.
