Colombia vs DR Congo Match Preview

After gaining their first ever World Cup point against a misfiring Portugal, The Democratic Republic of Congo will be hoping to do the same again and give themselves a real chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. Or could they cause a real shock and even beat the Colombians? 

A golden opportunity for both nations 

With Portugal dropping points in their first match, Colombia took advantage of the situation and currently top group K. After beating the group’s other World Cup debutants, Uzbekistan, confidence will be high in the Colombian camp. 

The 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan wasn’t as straightforward as it looks on paper. Jaminton Campaz scored at the death after the White Wolves nearly grabbed another equaliser. 

Luis Díaz continued his impressive form from club level at Bayern Munich. The skilful forward bagged the second goal for his team and looked a constant threat throughout the match. With Portugal playing their match with Uzbekistan before Colombia again, it’s a great opportunity for them and DR Congo to have a clearer idea of what they need to do after seeing the result of that match. 

Another historic first 

These two nations have never played each other in an international fixture, so it will be a special day at Estadio Guadalajara on Tuesday. A win for the Coffee Growers (Cafeteros) would mean they would only need a draw against Portugal to advance as possible group winners.

Nestor Lorenzo’s men could reproduce a similar performance as they did against Uzbekistan, because Congo shape up as a similar, tight, defensive unit. Portugal struggled to get a grip of the game in the middle of the park against the Leopards. This forced them to play out wide and produce more crosses, which was unsuccessful. 

Colombia however, have two great full-backs that can bomb forward. Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz creates useful overloads on the right and scored their first goal against Uzbekistan. Johan Mojica is also effective on the left, meaning the width of the team frees up Díaz and the captain James Rodríguez in central positions. 

More tactical chat 

As for Congo, there’s a possibility that their manager, Sebastien Desabre, may opt for a less defensive line-up. Such a gamble in the search for their first ever World Cup win maybe risky though. 

The back five against Portugal worked a treat, as they restricted Roberto Martinez’s men to just six shots after they scored. If Colombia stick to their flamboyant 4-3-3 formation, Desabre will probably favour a more resolute defence. Congo have never lost a match by more than one goal under the Frenchman, so his tactics certainly seem to work. 

This may change if Lorenzo reverts back to his tried and tested 4-2-3-1. This would allow Rodríguez to play in a number 10 role behind the dangerous Luis Suárez. Whatever happens, this will certainly be an intriguing contest. 

Match prediction 

As mentioned earlier, the Congolese will feel that a point will still give them a good chance to qualify, while Colombia will have less pressure on them if Portugal fail to win again. 

The Tricolour look to be in good form going into this clash, they’ve won their last three matches, with two of them being 3-1. However, after an impressive World Cup debut, the Africans are more than capable of getting a result. If they can secure a draw they could head into their last group game with qualification in their hands. For that reason I’m going for a 1-1 scoreline.

Colombia possible starting lineup:
Vargas;
Muñoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica;
Ríos, Lerma;
Arías, Rodríguez, Díaz;
Suárez.

DR Congo possible starting lineup:
Mpasi;
Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kayembe;
Mukau, Moutoussamy, Sadiki;
Bongonda, Bakambu, Wissa.

Match details 

• June 17, 2026 – Colombia vs DR Congo – Guadalajara, 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.