Colombia
Congo DR
>Colombia vs Congo DR Prediction & Betting Tips – 24/06/2026
Colombia face Congo DR at Guadalajara Stadium on 24 June in a Group K fixture that could define both sides' knockout-stage ambitions. Los Cafeteros arrive brimming with confidence after dismantling Uzbekistan 3-1, sitting top of the group with a healthy goal difference. Congo DR, appearing at a World Cup for the first time since competing as Zaire in 1974, earned a spirited 1-1 draw against Portugal and will fancy their chances of causing another stir. A victory here would put Colombia firmly on course for the last sixteen, while the Leopards seek a result to keep their historic campaign alive.
Match Analysis
Colombia enter this Group K clash as clear favorites at 1.50, sitting top of the table after a commanding 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan. With Díaz, James Rodríguez, and Suárez all available, Lorenzo's attacking 4-2-3-1 looks formidable.
- 3-1 win over Uzbekistan gives Colombia top-of-group standing and +2 goal difference.
- Three creative starters confirmed: Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, and Luis Suárez all in the probable XI.
- Colombia ranked 13th globally, a 33-place gap above Congo DR in World Cup seeding.
- Goals from three different scorers vs Uzbekistan signals attacking depth and tactical flexibility.
Congo DR arrive at 7.50 as heavy outsiders, despite a creditable 1-1 draw with Portugal in their opener. Their disciplined 5-3-2 and counter-attacking threat through Wissa and Bakambu offer hope, but key defensive absences complicate their task significantly.
- Rocky Bushiri ruled out of the entire tournament with an Achilles injury, depleting backline depth.
- Chancel Mbemba one yellow card from suspension, potentially forcing conservative captaincy and reduced defensive authority.
- Congo DR's 5-3-2 structure prioritizes containment but conceded to Portugal and faces a sharper attack here.
Key point: With no totals odds available, the double chance covering Colombia or draw suits risk-averse bettors, given Congo DR's proven defensive resilience against Portugal.
Form & Statistics: Colombia vs Congo DR
Colombia
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Congo DR
Recent form
Season statistics (3)
Lineups: Colombia vs Congo DR
Colombia
Starters
- 1 Camilo Vargas
- 2 Daniel Muñoz
- 3 Davinson Sánchez
- 4 Jhon Lucumí
- 5 Johan Mojica
- 6 Jefferson Lerma
- 7 Richard Ríos
- 8 Jhon Arias
- 9 James Rodríguez
- 10 Luis Díaz
- 11 Luis Suárez
Bench
- David Ospina
- Yerry Mina
- Jorge Carrascal
- Jaminton Campaz
- Jhon Córdoba
- Gustavo Puerta
- Juan Hernández
- Santiago Arias
- Willer Ditta
- Álvaro Montero
- Kevin Castaño
- Jhon Durán
Absent
- Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Not selected for the squad due to persistent thigh injury and limited playing time in the 2025/26 season.)
Congo DR
Starters
- 1 Lionel Mpasi-Nzau
- 2 Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- 3 Chancel Mbemba
- 4 Axel Tuanzebe
- 5 Steve Kapuadi
- 6 Arthur Masuaku
- 7 Samuel Moutoussamy
- 8 Edo Kayembe
- 9 Ngal'ayel Mukau
- 10 Yoane Wissa
- 11 Cédric Bakambu
Bench
- Simon Banza
- Joris Kayembe
- Timothy Fayulu
- Noah Sadiki
- Fiston Mayele
- Nathanael Mbuku
- Brian Cipenga
- Dylan Batubinsika
- Gedeon Kalulu
- Meschak Elia
- Charles Pickel
- Aaron Tshibola
- Théo Bongonda
- Matthieu Epolo
- Gaël Kakuta
Absent
- Rocky Bushiri (Achilles injury sustained during club play, ruled out of the World Cup squad and replaced.)
Medium confidence
Colombia's 4-2-3-1 sets up a natural tension against Congo DR's compact 5-3-2, with James Rodríguez operating in the pocket behind the striker as the creative fulcrum Colombia will look to exploit down the flanks and through the lines.
Congo DR's wing-backs will be central to their defensive shape, but the real question is whether their back five can contain the movement of Luis Díaz on the left. Both probable XIs carry genuine quality, making this a tactically intriguing opener at the 2026 World Cup.
Our Verdict
Colombia's 3-1 dismantling of Uzbekistan showcased genuine cutting edge, with Luis Díaz and Daniel Muñoz both finding the net in a fluid attacking display. Congo DR's resolute draw against Portugal was admirable, yet holding firm against Colombia's dynamic front line presents a stiffer tactical challenge. A home win at 1.50 represents fair value given Colombia's superior squad depth and attacking firepower. Over 2.5 goals at 2.15 also appeals, as Congo DR showed against Portugal they will commit bodies forward. Prediction: Colombia to win. Odds and markets subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Colombia vs Congo DR?
Colombia to win is the standout selection here. Los Cafeteros sit top of Group K after a commanding 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, and the ranking gap between the two sides is considerable. With Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, and Luis Suárez all available, Colombia's creative firepower should prove too much for a Congo DR side missing Rocky Bushiri. Back the home win at 1.50.
What time does Colombia vs Congo DR kick off?
Colombia vs Congo DR kicks off at 02:00 UTC on 24th June 2026. The match will be staged at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico, one of the host venues for the 2026 World Cup. Supporters in the United Kingdom should note the early-hours start time when planning how to follow this Group K fixture.
Where can I watch Colombia vs Congo DR on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for the 2026 World Cup across the United Kingdom have not yet been fully confirmed at the time of writing. Viewers are advised to check listings from the BBC and ITV, who traditionally share World Cup coverage in the UK, as well as any streaming platforms holding rights to fixtures staged in the early hours.
What is Colombia's recent record against Congo DR?
Colombia and Congo DR have no recorded competitive meetings in recent history, making this a genuinely rare encounter between the two nations. Their paths have seldom crossed at international level, and this World Cup group-stage fixture represents a largely unprecedented head-to-head, lending an extra layer of intrigue to proceedings in Guadalajara.
