Will DR Congo surprise again? Prediction for Colombia vs DR Congo - 24.06.2026
The national teams of Colombia and DR Congo will face off on June 24, 2026, in the second round of the World Cup group stage. After their win over Uzbekistan, Colombia sits atop the group with three points, while DR Congo has already caused one of the tournament's early shocks by taking points off Portugal.
Colombia: a winning start and a test against a tighter defense
Colombia kicked off the tournament with a hard-fought but expected 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan. Néstor Lorenzo's side met stiff resistance from the debutants, even conceding a goal, but ultimately controlled the match and looked the better team throughout. This win is especially important given their schedule: with Portugal still to come, Colombia needs to solidify its position at the top of the group now.
Colombia has no significant squad issues, so don't expect major rotation. The main intrigue is in midfield, where Richard Ríos might get the nod over the more attacking Gustavo Puerta. Up front, everything will continue to revolve around Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez, while Jamilton Campaz, after scoring in the first match, can expect game time but likely won't displace the established stars from the starting lineup.
DR Congo: discipline already halted Portugal
DR Congo earned a 1-1 draw against Portugal in their opener—a result that puts them firmly in the playoff hunt. The team conceded early but didn't fall apart, finding an equalizer through Yoane Wissa before halftime and then withstanding the favorite's pressure. For the Leopards, this point is more than just a draw—it's proof that their tactical setup can work even against top-tier opponents.
Sébastien Desabre will likely stick with a five-man defense and two strikers to hit on the counterattack. This approach paid off against Portugal, and with Colombia boasting plenty of attacking talent, caution is warranted. There could be tweaks in midfield: Noah Sadiki might come in for Edo Kayembe to inject fresh legs into the center of the park.
Probable line-ups
- Colombia: Vargas, Mojica, Lucumí, Sánchez, Muñoz, Ríos, Lerma, Díaz, Rodríguez, Arias, Suárez.
- DR Congo: Mpasi-Nzau, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Wan-Bissaka, Masuaku, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Sadiki, Bakambu, Wissa.
Match facts and head-to-head
- In nine of their last ten matches, DR Congo has conceded no more than one goal.
- DR Congo has scored in regulation time in 11 of their last 12 World Cup and World Cup qualifier games.
- Colombia has not taken more than five corners in regulation in nine of their last ten World Cup matches.
- No more than three yellow cards have been shown in regulation in eight of Colombia's last ten World Cup games.
The favorite will be squeezed: prediction for Colombia vs DR Congo
Colombia enters the match as favorites thanks to their superior attacking quality, the form of their key players, and a confident start. Luis Díaz is enjoying a stellar season, James Rodríguez remains vital to the national team, and a run of three straight wins with eight goals scored shows this side is clinical. But against DR Congo, they will find far less open space than they did versus Uzbekistan.
The Congolese have already shown their resilience, their ability to close down space and withstand pressure. In their last 14 matches, they've conceded more than once only a single time, and their five-man defense makes them a nightmare for any favorite. Colombia will dominate possession and look to break down DR Congo's deep block, but the Leopards have the tools to snatch a result and punish any rare mistake.
