Colombia will look to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds when they take on an inspired DR Congo in a crucial Group D clash. After an impressive opening victory over Uzbekistan, Los Cafeteros know another three points would guarantee qualification and strengthen their position as group favorites.
DR Congo, meanwhile, arrive full of belief after producing one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by holding Portugal to a memorable draw. The Leopards have already shown they can compete with elite opposition, setting up what promises to be an exciting encounter in Guadalajara.
Match Details
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
| Match | Colombia vs DR Congo |
| Stage | Group D |
| Venue | Guadalajara |
| Date | July 10, 2026 |
| Kickoff | TBA |
Colombia Looking to Seal Qualification
Colombia made the perfect start to their World Cup campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan.
Néstor Lorenzo’s side controlled large periods of the match, combining technical quality with quick attacking football and clinical finishing. Once again, Luis Díaz proved why he is one of South America’s biggest stars, while James Rodríguez dictated the tempo with his vision and experience.
The confidence inside the Colombian camp is growing, and another victory would secure a place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.
Colombia World Cup Form
🟢 W
Colombia Form (All Competitions)
🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🟡 D | 🟢 W | 🟢 W
DR Congo Ready to Challenge Again
Few expected DR Congo to take points from Portugal, but the African side delivered a disciplined and courageous performance to earn a historic 1-1 draw.
The Leopards defended with excellent organization and remained dangerous on the counterattack throughout the match. Yoane Wissa’s goal secured the country’s first-ever World Cup goal and point, creating enormous belief within the squad.
With confidence growing, DR Congo now have an opportunity to take another major step toward the knockout rounds.
DR Congo World Cup Form
🟡 D
DR Congo Form (All Competitions)
🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🟡 D | 🟢 W | 🟡 D | 🟢 W
Tactical Analysis
This game could be decided by Colombia’s ability to break down a compact defensive block.
DR Congo are expected to defend deep before launching quick counter-attacks through Yoane Wissa and Simon Banza. Their pace on the break could cause problems if Colombia commit too many players forward.
Colombia, however, possess greater technical quality across midfield. James Rodríguez will attempt to dictate possession, while Luis Díaz will constantly attack defenders in one-on-one situations.
If Colombia score first, the game could open significantly, allowing their attacking quality to become even more dangerous.
Team News
Colombia have no fresh injury concerns following their opening victory and are expected to keep the same starting XI. Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez and Jhon Córdoba should once again lead the attack.
DR Congo also have a fully fit squad available. Yoane Wissa is expected to spearhead the attack, supported by Simon Banza and Meschack Elia on the wings.
Predicted Lineups
Colombia Predicted XI
Vargas; Muñoz, Lucumí, Cuesta, Machado; Lerma, Castaño; Arias, James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz; Jhon Córdoba
DR Congo Predicted XI
Mpasi; Kalulu, Mbemba, Inonga, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy; Elia, Kakuta, Banza; Wissa
Key Players to Watch
Luis Díaz (Colombia)
The Liverpool winger remains Colombia’s biggest attacking weapon. His pace, dribbling and creativity can change a match in an instant, making him the player DR Congo must stop.
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
After scoring his country’s first-ever World Cup goal, Wissa enters this match full of confidence. His speed and intelligent movement make him the Leopards’ main threat on the counterattack.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever senior international meeting between Colombia and DR Congo.
Colombia have traditionally performed well against African opposition, while DR Congo continue chasing their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.
Three Keys to the Match
- Can Colombia break down DR Congo’s disciplined defense?
- Will Yoane Wissa continue his impressive World Cup form?
- Can James Rodríguez control the tempo from midfield?
Prediction Meter
🇨🇴 Colombia Win: 61%
🤝 Draw: 23%
🇨🇩 DR Congo Win: 16%
Betting Tips
- ✅ Colombia to Win
- ✅ Both Teams to Score
- ✅ Luis Díaz Anytime Goalscorer
Predicted Score
Colombia 2-1 DR Congo
Predicted Result
✅ Colombia Win
Final Verdict
Colombia have started the tournament in impressive fashion and possess the experience, attacking quality and confidence needed to secure another victory. DR Congo deserve enormous credit for their outstanding draw against Portugal and should once again prove difficult to break down, but Los Cafeteros have more creativity in the final third and enough firepower to edge a competitive contest. Expect the African side to remain dangerous throughout, yet Colombia’s quality should ultimately secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory and a place in the World Cup knockout stage.
