Colombia vs DR Congo Match Preview: A Goal at the Right Moment

Match Analysis

2026 FIFA World Cup — Group K, Matchday 2

Match Info

Kick-off: 09:00, June 24, 2026 Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup — Group K, Matchday 2 Broadcast: VTV3, VTV6

Preview: Colombia's Chance to Pull Clear Colombia enter matchday two of Group K with considerable confidence following their 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. Despite briefly being pegged back in the second half, Nestor Lorenzo's side showed class and composure to prevail through goals from Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz, and Jaminton Campaz.

Colombia's greatest strengths lie in ball retention, transition speed, and individual quality in attack. Luis Díaz remains their most dangerous weapon down the left flank, while James Rodríguez controls the tempo behind the striker. Daniel Muñoz also caught the eye with an impressive attacking contribution on matchday one.

DR Congo produced one of the tournament's early surprises by holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw. After conceding early to João Neves, Sébastien Desabre's side did not collapse — they remained disciplined, defended their structure, and levelled through Yoane Wissa.

Congo's strengths are physicality, aerial ability, and a low defensive block. With players like Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Arthur Masuaku, Yoane Wissa, and Cédric Bakambu, the African side carry pace and power capable of troubling any opponent.

That said, Colombia present a very different challenge to Portugal. Where Portugal struggled to raise the tempo of their attack, Colombia have more players capable of individual penetration from wide areas — Luis Díaz and Jhon Arias will stretch Congo's backline continuously.

Match Predictions Goals Colombia have scored 16 goals in their last 7 matches — averaging 2.29 per game — finding the net in 6 of those 7 (86%). Their defensive record is less convincing: 9 goals conceded in 7 matches (1.29 per game), with just 2 clean sheets. Congo's counter-attacking threat and set-piece quality mean Colombia's backline cannot switch off.

DR Congo have scored 24 goals in their last 17 matches (1.41 per game), finding the net in 15 of those 17 (88%). Their defensive record is more impressive: just 11 goals conceded in 17 matches (0.65 per game), with 10 clean sheets.

With Colombia's superior attacking output but Congo's defensive solidity, this match is unlikely to be one-sided. Colombia should create more, but Congo have shown they can absorb pressure and score on the break.

Predicted goals: 2–3

Corners DR Congo hold a slight edge in this area — 79 corners in their last 17 matches (4.65 per game). Colombia have generated 25 in their last 7 matches (3.57 per game). Colombia's wide attacking play through Díaz, Arias, and the overlapping Muñoz should produce more corners as Congo sit deeper.

Predicted corners: 8–10

Cards Colombia have received 10 yellow cards in their last 7 matches (1.43 per game). DR Congo have picked up 20 in their last 17 matches (1.18 per game). Neither side has received a red card in this period. Both sides commit fouls at a high rate — Colombia average 13.71 per game, Congo average 15.59. Midfield battles will be physical and sustained.

Predicted cards: 3–5 yellow cards. Red card risk: Low.

Predicted Score Colombia 2–1 DR Congo

Colombia hold a clear squad quality advantage — particularly through Díaz and James Rodríguez. After the win over Uzbekistan, they lead Group K and a second win would put them on the verge of the knockout rounds. Congo are not to be underestimated — their draw with Portugal showed genuine resilience and organisation — but sustaining that defensive effort for 90 minutes against Colombia's wide threats will be extremely difficult.

Team News Colombia: No significant injuries or suspensions. Expected XI: Vargas; Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumí, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma; Arias, James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz; Luis Suárez. DR Congo: No major injury concerns. Expected to continue with a five-back system. Mbemba must be careful — he is already on a yellow card. Key players: Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku, Wissa, Bakambu.

Recent Form & Head-to-Head Colombia (last 5): W3, L2. Scored 9 goals in their last 3 matches. Defeats came against France (1-3) and Croatia (1-2) in March friendlies. DR Congo (last 5): W1, D2, L2. The 1-1 draw with Portugal was a landmark result — their first-ever World Cup point. Previous results: lost to Chile (1-2), drew with Denmark (0-0), beat Jamaica (1-0), lost to Algeria (0-1). Head-to-head: This is the first-ever World Cup meeting between the two sides. Limited head-to-head data at senior international level makes this fixture difficult to call.

Predicted Line-ups Colombia (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumí, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma; Arias, James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz; Luis Suárez. DR Congo (5-3-2): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Kayembe, Mukau; Wissa, Bakambu.

Key Stats - Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their Group K opener. - Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz, and Jaminton Campaz scored for Colombia on matchday one. - Colombia registered 15 shots and created 9 chances against Uzbekistan. - DR Congo drew 1-1 with Portugal on their return to the World Cup after 52 years. - Yoane Wissa scored DR Congo's first-ever World Cup goal. - DR Congo have conceded just 1 goal despite facing Portugal in their opener. - Colombia top Group K after matchday one. - DR Congo sit on 1 point and remain firmly in contention. - This is the first-ever World Cup meeting between Colombia and DR Congo.