| Fixture | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | 23 June 2026 |
| Kickoff | 20:00 local (UTC-6) |
| Venue | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (Zapopan), Mexico |
| Stage | FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group K, Matchday 2 |
| TV (UK) | ITV / ITVX |
What’s At Stake
Colombia arrive at Estadio Akron sitting top of Group K after a 3-1 opening win over Uzbekistan, while DR Congo picked up a creditable 1-1 draw against Portugal. Three points here would effectively seal Colombia’s progress to the last 32; for DR Congo, a win would lift them above Portugal on goal difference and put them in control of their own qualification fate heading into the final group game.
Verdict
Colombia are the value pick at 8/15 to win this match, backed by their clinical Group K opener and the creative depth James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz bring in the final third. DR Congo showed resilience against Portugal, but Colombia’s attacking output and tournament experience make them the stronger side at this price.
Colombia vs DR Congo Match Preview
This is a fascinating Group K encounter between two sides with very different World Cup storylines. Colombia are one of CONMEBOL’s in-form teams, returning to the tournament after missing Qatar 2022 and looking every bit like a side determined to go deep. Their 3-1 win over Uzbekistan on Matchday 1 was efficient and controlled, with goals spread across the squad.
DR Congo’s story is one of the tournament’s most compelling. This is only their second World Cup appearance ever, their first since 1974 when they competed as Zaire. The Leopards held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opener, showing defensive resilience and the ability to hurt top sides on the counter through Yoane Wissa and the pace in their forward line.
The game is likely to be won in the spaces between Colombia’s creative midfield and DR Congo’s defensive shape. Néstor Lorenzo’s side will look to use the width of Luis Diaz and the craft of James Rodriguez to unpick a Congolese back line that has conceded only five goals in nine qualifying matches. Whether DR Congo can hold that shape for 90 minutes against Colombia’s intensity will be the central question of this fixture.
Team Form
Colombia – last five results:
- Uzbekistan (N): Won 3-1 (World Cup 2026)
- Jordan (N): Won 2-0 (Friendly)
- Costa Rica (H): Won 3-1 (Friendly)
- France (N): Lost 1-3 (Friendly)
- Croatia (N): Lost 1-2 (Friendly)
Colombia’s recent form tells a coherent story. They were beaten by France and Croatia in pre-tournament friendlies against high-calibre opposition, then sharpened their focus when it mattered most, winning three on the spin leading into the World Cup. Their World Cup 2026 opener against Uzbekistan was a confident display, with Luis Diaz, Jaminton Campaz and Daniel Munoz all finding the net.
DR Congo – last five results:
- Portugal (N): Drew 1-1 (World Cup 2026)
- Chile (N): Lost 1-2 (Friendly)
- Denmark (N): Drew 0-0 (Friendly)
- Jamaica (N): Won 1-0 (World Cup Qualifying)
- Bermuda (N): Won 2-0 (Friendly)
DR Congo’s results reflect a side that is organised and hard to break down. Their 1-1 draw against Portugal was a genuine statement, with Yoane Wissa contributing their opening tournament goal. Their pre-tournament record shows just two goals conceded across five matches, which reinforces the impression of a tactically disciplined outfit that will not simply open up against Colombia.
Colombia vs DR Congo Head to Head
There is no recorded head-to-head history between Colombia and DR Congo. This fixture is a first meeting between the two nations at senior international level, making Tuesday’s encounter a blank canvas with no historical reference point to draw on.
That absence of data is itself worth noting for betting purposes. There is no pattern of dominance, no historically lopsided results, and no tendency toward high or low scoring that can be drawn from previous meetings. Both teams approach this with equal footing from a historical perspective, which places additional weight on current form and squad quality as the primary analytical tools.
Team News
Colombia manager Néstor Lorenzo has a fully loaded squad at his disposal in Guadalajara. James Rodriguez, 34, and Luis Diaz were both central to Matchday 1 and are expected to start again. Luis Diaz arrives in fine form after a standout club season with Bayern Munich, and his goal against Uzbekistan underlines his importance as Colombia’s main attacking threat.
The squad blends experienced campaigners with a handful of younger players. David Ospina, 37, provides commanding experience in goal with 130 caps behind him, while Davinson Sanchez leads a defensive unit that has conceded just once in the tournament so far. Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios provide the midfield engine room, giving Lorenzo options in how he manages the balance between creativity and protection.
For DR Congo, coach Sébastien Desabre has a squad drawn largely from European football. Chancel Mbemba is the most-capped outfield player in the squad with 109 caps and will anchor the defence. Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United leads the forward line after scoring against Portugal, with support from Cédric Bakambu, who brings the greatest goalscoring experience in the group. No significant injury concerns have been reported ahead of this fixture.
Predicted Lineups
Colombia (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Lerma, Rios; Arias, Rodriguez (c), Diaz; Cordoba.
DR Congo (4-3-3): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba (c), Batubinsika, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Pickel, Bongonda; Wissa, Bakambu, Elia.
Predicted lineups – squads to be confirmed ahead of kickoff.
Key Tactical Matchup
The duel that is most likely to shape this game is Luis Diaz against Aaron Wan-Bissaka on DR Congo’s right flank. Diaz has been one of Colombia’s most productive attackers in this tournament cycle, and his direct running at pace causes problems for any side trying to defend deep. Wan-Bissaka is an assured defender in one-on-one situations, but facing a forward of Diaz’s quality on the left channel will test his positioning and recovery ability. If Colombia can isolate Diaz with space to run in behind, DR Congo’s defensive organisation will be under sustained pressure. The balance of that duel will go a long way to determining whether Colombia convert their expected territorial advantage into goals.
Best Bets
Colombia to Win – 8/15
Colombia have won three of their last five matches, including a composed 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their World Cup 2026 opener. They are top of Group K and have a squad that blends world-class individual quality with genuine tournament experience. At 8/15, this reflects their status as clear favourites and is a price that holds up against DR Congo’s relatively limited pedigree at this level.
Under 2.5 Goals – 4/6
DR Congo conceded just five goals in nine qualifying matches and proved difficult to break down in drawing 1-1 with Portugal. Their defensive discipline, combined with the likelihood that this match is played at a measured tempo as both sides manage their energy for the final group game, points toward a tight contest. The 4/6 available for under 2.5 goals looks a reasonable reflection of that dynamic.
Luis Diaz Anytime Scorer
Luis Diaz has been Colombia’s most consistent attacking outlet, scoring in the opening World Cup match against Uzbekistan and carrying seven goals in recent competitive and friendly fixtures across the data. He is expected to start on the left and will likely be Colombia’s primary source of danger. As a direct runner who creates his own chances, he is the most logical first pick in any goalscorer market for this fixture.
Colombia to Win to Nil
Colombia kept DR Congo’s attacking threat manageable in their respective first fixtures, and DR Congo have scored just once in this tournament so far. Colombia have conceded only one goal in their current run of three wins, and their midfield screen of Lerma and Rios provides a disciplined foundation. A clean sheet alongside a Colombia win is a realistic outcome at this stage of the group.
Colombia vs DR Congo Betting Odds
The best available prices from leading operators for this Group K fixture are shown below.
| Outcome | Best Price |
|---|---|
| Colombia Win | 8/15 |
| Draw | 10/3 |
| DR Congo Win | 13/2 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 5/4 |
| Under 2.5 Goals | 4/6 |
Odds are correct at time of writing and are subject to change. Always check the best available price at your chosen operator before placing a bet.
How to Watch and How to Bet
How to Watch
Colombia vs DR Congo will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on ITV and ITVX, with free-to-air coverage available to all viewers. Kickoff is at 02:00 BST on 24 June 2026 (20:00 local time in Guadalajara). The match is played at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, one of three Mexican venues hosting games at World Cup 2026.
How to Bet
If you are looking to place a bet on this fixture, the steps below will guide you through the process.
- Choose a licensed and regulated operator available in your jurisdiction.
- Register for an account if you do not already have one, providing accurate personal details.
- Navigate to the World Cup 2026 section and locate the Colombia vs DR Congo match.
- Review the available markets, including match result, goals, and goalscorer options.
- Select your preferred market and check the best available price before confirming.
- Enter your stake, keeping it within a level you are comfortable with regardless of the outcome.
- Use any available price-comparison tools to ensure you are getting the best value.
- Confirm your bet and retain your bet slip for reference.
Responsible Gambling
Betting should always be approached as a form of entertainment, not as a method to generate income. Set a budget before you place any bet and stick to it, regardless of how a match unfolds.
If you feel that your gambling is becoming difficult to manage, free and confidential support is available. In the UK, you can contact BeGambleAware or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Internationally, Gamblers Anonymous offers peer support in many countries.
Never chase losses, and take regular breaks from betting activity. If you need to set deposit limits or self-exclude, all regulated operators are required to provide these tools.
