Colombia look to seal their place in the knockout stages when they face DR Congo in Group K at the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday. Kick-off is scheduled for 3am (UK time) on Wednesday 24th June at Estadio Akron, Guadalajara.
Néstor Lorenzo’s side delivered a clinical opening performance, beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Mexico City. Luis Díaz was the standout performer and Colombia sit top of Group K heading into matchday two. A win here seals their place in the last 32 with a game to spare.
DR Congo produced one of the genuine shocks of matchday one, holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw in Houston. Yoane Wissa’s first-half equaliser earned the Leopards a historic first World Cup point in 52 years. Sébastien Desabre’s side will arrive in Guadalajara with real belief and nothing to fear.
Colombia and DR Congo have never previously met in senior international football. Wednesday’s fixture in Guadalajara is the first competitive encounter between the two nations.
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Colombia vs DR Congo team news
Colombia team news
Nestor Lorenzo is unlikely to make wholesale changes after Colombia’s encouraging 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. David Ospina retains his place in goal behind a back four that Lorenzo will look to keep organised against DR Congo’s dangerous counter-attacking threat.
Daniel Munoz and Johan Mojica are expected to continue at full-back. The central defensive partnership of Davinson Sanchez and Jhon Lucumí performed solidly in the opener and should retain their places in Guadalajara.
Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios are expected to anchor the midfield, with James Rodriguez operating ahead of them in his creative role. The former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid man was influential against Uzbekistan and remains Colombia’s most dangerous creator.
Luis Diaz leads the attacking line and was Colombia’s standout performer on matchday one. His pace, directness and goal threat make him the player DR Congo will fear most.
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DR Congo team news
Sebastien Desabre faces a fascinating selection puzzle after DR Congo’s heroic 1-1 draw with Portugal. Lionel Mpasi keeps his place in goal behind a defensive unit that frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo and company for the vast majority of the match in Houston.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku are expected to continue as wing-backs, with Masuaku having provided the assist for Wissa’s equaliser. Chancel Mbemba anchors the back line alongside Axel Tuanzebe and Sikou Kapuadi, though Mbemba carries a yellow card from the Portugal game and must tread carefully in Guadalajara.
Jean-Marc Makoun Moutoussamy, Theo Edo Kayembe and Cedric Moukaku are expected to screen the defence from midfield. That trio worked tirelessly against Portugal and gave Desabre’s side a platform to threaten on the break.
Yoane Wissa scored DR Congo’s historic equaliser against Portugal and starts again alongside Cedric Bakambu. The Newcastle forward carries enormous confidence into Wednesday’s fixture.
Colombia vs DR Congo predicted lineups
Colombia (4-3-3): Ospina; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Lerma, Rios, Rodriguez; Campaz, Diaz, Arias.
DR Congo (5-3-2): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Moukaku; Wissa, Bakambu.
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