Colombia and DR Congo meet in Guadalajara on Tuesday night after producing strong starts to their World Cup campaigns.
DR Congo’s 1–1 draw with Portugal was a major upset, especially after João Neves gave the Iberians an early lead, and Yoane Wissa’s strike on the stroke of half-time earned a first point in DR Congo’s World Cup history.
The Leopards performed impressively and managed to contain their strong European opponents for the rest of the competition, earning a point against Portugal.
Colombia won 3-1 against debutants Uzbekistan and now have the chance to confirm their place in the knockout stages before facing group favorites Portugal.
Colombia could become potential underdogs this summer, especially if they end up winning Group K at Portugal’s expense, and their matchup on Day 3 will likely be decisive against DR Congo.
Compete against the world.
Colombia vs DR Congo Prediction Score
Columbia Edge Tight Affair
Colombia are set to seal their place in the knockouts.
Colombia plunged head first into the unknown against Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan last time out and now face another nation they have never met before.
Néstor Lorenzo should have been impressed with DR Congo, who played so hard against Portugal and managed to make the most of the chances they generated.
How Colombia try to penetrate a deep defense will be interesting given where their strengths lie, and a place in the knockout stages will be guaranteed with a win.
DR Congo will be dreaming of lofty heights after their Day 1 performance.
Colombia’s World Cup record against African opposition: After losing to a Roger Milla-inspired Cameroon in 1990, Colombia have won all three World Cup matches against African nations by a single goal (1-0 against Tunisia in 1990, 2-1 against Ivory Coast in 2014 and 1-0 against Senegal in 2). Colombia vs. Inferior Opponents: Colombia has been adept at fielding teams they expect to beat. They were last beaten by a nation ranked below them in the FIFA world rankings in November 2024. Luis Díaz’s form: This has the makings of a productive tournament for the Bayern Munich star, who scored 29 goals in 32 Bundesliga games last season. Díaz broke out immediately this summer, scoring in the win against Uzbekistan.
Prediction: Colombia 1–0 DR Congo
Predicted lineup Colombia vs. DR Congo
Richard Ríos enters the midfield of Colombia.
James Rodríguez was the baby-faced hero of Colombia’s run to the quarter-finals in 2014, and while he’s still finding himself, an alternative hero will emerge this summer.
Bayern Munich’s Luis Díaz is enjoying his first taste of the World Cup and shone on debut with a goal and assist against Uzbekistan.
Colombia will also be hoping Sporting CP’s Luis Suárez finds his shooting boots somewhere in North America after enjoying a prolific season in Portugal.
Richard Ríos was a surprise absentee from Néstor Lorenzo’s squad last time out and the Benfica man could be inserted into the middle for Colombia against DR Congo.
Colombia predicted line-up against DR Congo (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Ríos, Puerta; Arias, Rodríguez, Díaz, Suárez.
DR Congo vs Colombia Predicted Lineup
Sébastien Desabre may opt for a similar plan on Day 2 against a fast Colombia side, very dangerous in wide areas and on the counter-attack.
Portugal didn’t make the Leopards work hard for their point, even though their possession was the lowest of any nation on Day 1.
One change Desabre can make is the introduction of Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki into the DR Congo engine room.
Yoane Wissa will once again be on top after drawing against Portugal and will play alongside Cedric Bakambu.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s stellar one-on-one defense will be tested by Díaz, with Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku featuring in an experienced DR Congo defence.
Predicted line-up DR Congo vs Colombia (5-3-2): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Kayembe, Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Wissa, Bakambu.
Pick your World Cup starting XIs!
What time does Colombia vs DR Congo start?
Location: Guadalajara, MexicoStadium: Estadio AkronDate: Tuesday, June 23 / Wednesday, June 24 Kick-off: 22:00 ET / 19:00 PT / 3:00 BST (June 24)Referee: Maurizio Mariani (ITA)
How to watch Colombia vs. DR Congo on TV, live
Country
Emitter(s)
United States
FOX Network, fuboTV, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes en Vivo
Canada
TSN+, TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, RDS app
Mexico
Azteca 7, Azteca Deportes en Vivo, ViX Mexico
United Kingdom
ITV 1 UK, ITVX, STV Scotland, STV Player
MORE: Complete list of worldwide broadcasters for Colombia vs. DR Congo
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