Colombia vs DR Congo – Betting Tips
Group K, Matchday 2 | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico | Wednesday 24 June 2026, 03:00 BST
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Our Predictions
Colombia to Win
Both Teams to Score – Yes
DR Congo have been the story of this World Cup so far. The Leopards held Portugal to a 1-1 draw on matchday one, with Yoane Wissa’s equaliser just before half-time sending the neutrals wild. They are making only their second ever World Cup appearance, and that point against a European heavyweight was genuinely earned. Colombia are a different type of challenge, though.
Néstor Lorenzo’s side beat Uzbekistan 3-1 with goals from Muñoz, Díaz and Campaz, and they come into this sitting top of Group K. Win here and Colombia go through to the last 32 with a game to spare. The bet: Colombia to Win and Both Teams to Score.
Colombia vs DR Congo – Key Statistics
Colombia have won five of their last seven games, and the over 2.5 goals market has come in nine of their last eleven matches. They scored eight goals across their last three competitive fixtures heading into the tournament. Luis Díaz contributed a goal and an assist against Uzbekistan, Daniel Muñoz scored from right-back, and Jaminton Campaz added a third in the closing stages. Four of those five recent victories came by a margin of two or more goals.
DR Congo limited Portugal’s possession to just 25% and kept their collective xG below 0.65 for the game. Their defensive structure under Desabre is legitimate, and it will be tested differently here against Colombia’s more direct, pace-based attack. The Leopards have failed to score in only two of their last 19 matches, which means Wissa and Cédric Bakambu carry a counter-threat that Colombia cannot ignore. Colombia and DR Congo have never faced each other in competitive football before, so there is no head-to-head data to lean on.
Star Player Spotlight
- Luis Díaz (Colombia): Had a remarkable 2025/26 club season at Liverpool, finishing with 23 goals and 26 assists. He is Colombia’s primary creator and their most dangerous attacker in tight spaces. Aaron Wan-Bissaka will have his hands full. If Díaz gets on the ball in wide areas with the freedom to run at DR Congo’s backline, chances will follow.
- Yoane Wissa (DR Congo): The Brentford striker scored a composed header against Portugal and is DR Congo’s most reliable goal threat. He is the one player in this Leopards squad who can score against the run of play and change the complexion of a match in an instant. Colombia will know all about him.
Head-to-Head Record
Colombia and DR Congo have never met in a competitive fixture at senior level. This is a genuine first encounter between these two nations.
Manager Profile
Néstor Lorenzo has rebuilt Colombia from a side that did not even qualify for the 2022 World Cup into one of the more exciting teams at this tournament. The 3-1 win over Uzbekistan was controlled and clinical. Sébastien Desabre has managed DR Congo since 2022, guiding them through seven wins in nine qualifying matches. The Portugal result showed his defensive organisation is genuinely World Cup standard. He’ll set up in the same 5-3-2 and back his side to absorb and counter.
Also Read: Best Licensed Sportsbook for World Cup 2026
Colombia vs DR Congo – Match Preview
| Point | Colombia | DR Congo |
|---|---|---|
| World Ranking | 12th | 49th |
| Captain | James Rodríguez | Chancel Mbemba |
| Goals Scored (last 5) | 10 | 7 |
| Goals Conceded (last 5) | 4 | 4 |
| Top Scorer | James Rodríguez (35 international goals) | Dieumerci Mbokani (23) |
| Most Capped Player | James Rodríguez (105 caps) | Chancel Mbemba (80+ caps) |
| Formation | 4-3-3 | 5-3-2 |
| Uncapped Players | TBC | TBC |
Colombia – Current Status
No injury concerns to report from Lorenzo’s camp. The manager is expected to name an unchanged lineup from the Uzbekistan win. James Rodríguez, at 34, starts in an advanced midfield role alongside Jefferson Lerma, with Díaz and Jhon Arias providing the wide threat. Colombia’s full-backs, Muñoz and Johan Mojica, are both forward-thinking and create overloads on either flank. This side plays at a tempo that is hard to defend against for 90 minutes.
DR Congo – Current Status
No injury or suspension concerns reported from Desabre’s squad. The same XI that frustrated Portugal are expected to start here, with Wan-Bissaka at right-back, Chancel Mbemba organising the back five, and Wissa partnering Bakambu up front. They will look to cede possession as they did against Portugal, stay compact in two banks of five and three, and look for Wissa and Bakambu to play on the shoulders of Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Lucumí.
Key Tactical Battle
Luis Díaz against Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the battle that could decide this match. Wan-Bissaka has Premier League experience and is comfortable in one-on-one defensive situations, but Díaz at his best is one of the most difficult wide players in the world to contain. If Colombia can get Díaz combining with Johan Mojica’s overlapping runs on the left flank, DR Congo’s defensive block will be stretched. Desabre will have studied this threat closely after the Uzbekistan game. How well Wan-Bissaka handles it is the key individual question.
DR Congo held firm despite being limited to just 25% possession against Portugal, keeping the European side’s collective xG below 0.65 for the game. Their defensive structure under Desabre is legitimate, and it will be tested differently here against Colombia’s more direct, pace-based attack. The Leopards have failed to score in only two of their last 19 matches, which means Wissa and Cédric Bakambu carry a counter-threat that Colombia cannot ignore. Colombia and DR Congo have never faced each other in competitive football before, so there is no head-to-head data to lean on.
Colombia vs DR Congo – Betting Tips
| Tip | Market | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Tip 1 | Colombia to Win | Top of the group; five wins in seven; stronger squad throughout |
| Tip 2 (Value) | Both Teams to Score – Yes | DR Congo scored against Portugal; Wissa counter-threat is real; Colombia have conceded in recent run |
Also Read: Best Boosted Odds for World Cup 2026
Tip 1 – Colombia to Win
Colombia are the right side here. They are top of the group, in form, and have a front four that creates problems at a pace and intensity that DR Congo have not faced in qualifying. Lorenzo’s side has won seven of their last ten with multiple goal margins, and the tournament opener against Uzbekistan showed exactly how quickly this team can put a game to bed once the first goal goes in. DR Congo’s organisation is genuine but Colombia’s directness through Díaz and the movement of Campaz in behind will find solutions.
The bet: Colombia to Win at around 4/7
Tip 2 – Value Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes
DR Congo have failed to score in only two of their last 19 matches. That is a number worth respecting. Wissa is a genuine Premier League striker who can score against the very best defenders, and Colombia’s backline, while organised, was tested in recent warm-ups. Colombia themselves have conceded in several of their recent competitive outings. A DR Congo goal would not be a surprise here, even if Colombia control most of the match. The value in the Both Teams to Score market reflects the possibility that this follows the Colombia vs Uzbekistan template rather than a clean sheet win.
The bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes at around 11/8
All odds in this article were correct at the time of writing and may have changed. Always confirm current odds with your bookmaker before placing a bet. Gamble responsibly. 18+. Help is available at begambleaware.org.
Colombia vs DR Congo – Last 5 Matches Form
Colombia are in good nick. DR Congo have shown they can compete at this level.
Colombia – Form Table
| Date | Opponent | Result | Match Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Jun 2026 | Uzbekistan | W 3-1 | Competitive (World Cup) |
| 8 Jun 2026 | Costa Rica | W 3-1 | Friendly |
| 29 May 2026 | Bolivia | W 2-0 | Competitive (WC Qual.) |
| 22 May 2026 | Chile | L 0-1 | Competitive (WC Qual.) |
| 17 May 2026 | Ecuador | W 2-1 | Competitive (WC Qual.) |
DR Congo – Form Table
| Date | Opponent | Result | Match Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Jun 2026 | Portugal | D 1-1 | Competitive (World Cup) |
| 5 Jun 2026 | Chile | L 1-2 | Friendly |
| 1 Jun 2026 | Denmark | D 0-0 | Friendly |
| 24 May 2026 | Gabon | W 2-0 | Competitive (AFCON Qual.) |
| 18 May 2026 | South Sudan | W 3-0 | Competitive (AFCON Qual.) |
Colombia’s qualifying run was strong, and the only loss in this five-game stretch came in a qualifier where progression was already secured. The Uzbekistan win showed their attack working exactly as Lorenzo wants it to, with pace, movement and goals coming from multiple positions. DR Congo’s warm-up results looked modest but the Portugal performance was a very different level. Their compact 5-3-2 kept one of Europe’s most talented squads quiet for long periods. The Chile defeat in a friendly and the goalless draw with Denmark are less concerning when you consider how organised they looked against Portugal.
Colombia carry the psychological advantage here. They’re top of the group, they scored three in the opener, and their players are full of confidence. DR Congo’s point against Portugal gives them belief, but they know they are the underdogs and Desabre will set up accordingly.
Our Prediction
Here’s a quick recap –
Colombia 2-1 DR Congo
Colombia win this but not without a scare. Their directness and pace will eventually break down DR Congo’s organised defensive block, and Díaz is the one most likely to create the decisive moment. But Wissa will get his chance from a counter-attack at some point, and his finishing quality at this level means that chance will often go in. A 2-1 win captures the balance of the match. Colombia progress. DR Congo push them all the way.
This one kicks off at 3am, so set the alarm or the recording, but it is worth watching.
Confidence Level: Medium (3/5)
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Colombia play DR Congo?
Colombia face DR Congo on Wednesday 24 June 2026, with kick-off at 03:00 BST (late Tuesday night in the UK). The match takes place at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, in Group K, Matchday 2.
What is the prediction for Colombia vs DR Congo?
Our prediction is Colombia to win 2-1, with both teams scoring. Colombia’s pace and directness should be too much for DR Congo over 90 minutes, but Yoane Wissa gives the Leopards a genuine counter-threat that makes both teams to score a strong secondary bet.
Where can I watch Colombia vs DR Congo?
The match is live on ITV in the UK, with free streaming on ITVX. US viewers can watch on Fox Sports and Telemundo. Check your local listings for international options.
What are the odds for Colombia vs DR Congo?
Colombia are favourites at around 4/7 to win. The draw is priced at approximately 16/5, and DR Congo to win is around 7/1. All odds correct at time of writing. Always confirm current prices with your bookmaker.
Predictions and betting tips on this page are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. This site accepts no responsibility for losses arising from information published here. Betting should always be a form of entertainment and never a financial strategy.
Gamble responsibly. 18+. Help is available at begambleaware.org.