Colombia vs Congo DR Preview: Team News & Prediction | FIFA World Cup 2026 | Group Stage
Congo DR began their return to the FIFA World Cup with a more than respectable point against Portugal as they now take on an entertaining Colombia side.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – ITV / USA – FOX Sports
How to watch online: UK – ITVX / USA – FOX One
Colombia preview: Entertaining start
Colombia come into this one on the back of beginning their FIFA World Cup campaign with an impressive 3-1 defeat of Uzbekistan in Mexico City last week, with goals scored by Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz in what was an entertaining affair in the Mexican capital city.
The Colombians were superb after failing to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2022 and they reached the final of the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America before dipping in the last couple of years. They weren't completely convincing against Uzbekistan but they were much-improved and will take confidence from their opener.
Congo DR preview: Obdurate Congolese
Congo DR began their Group K campaign with a 1-1 draw against one of the pre-tournament favourites Portugal in their opener in Houston last week. Portugal dominated the ball with 75% possession and took an early lead via Joao Neves but Congo DR remained tough to play against before pinching an equaliser by Yoane Wissa just before half-time and perhaps remaining as much of a threat in front of goal as Portugal, despite their lack of the ball.
Congo DR have shown repeatedly that they can be extremely awkward opposition to play against, having defeated African giants Nigeria and Cameroon in the CAF play-off system before a slender 1-0 defeat of Jamaica in their FIFA Inter-Confederation Play-off in March, further highlighting the defensive quality that they showed against Portugal.
Colombia team news: No injuries
Further team news will appear here closer to the match after pre-match press conferences...
It doesn't appear that Colombia have any injury issues to deal with for their clash with Congo DR - and it could well be that they go unchanged here after some surprise calls made by Nestor Lorenzo.
Richard Rios was overlooked in favour of Jefferson Lerma and Gustavo Puerta also kept Kevin Castano out, while Jhon Arias was preferred on the right-wing with Camilo Vargas starting ahead of David Ospina, albeit Vargas did have some shaky moments against the Uzbeks.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Lerma, Puerta; Arias, James, Diaz; Suarez
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Congo DR team news: Keeping it the same
Further team news will appear here closer to the match after pre-match press conferences...
There was curiosity about how Sebastien Desabre would try and keep things tight but also get Yoane Wissa, now fully fit, in alongside Cedric Bakambu. He managed to do with a back three shape.
Wissa partnered Bakambu in what was more or less a flat 3-5-2 and there is no need for Congo DR to make any changes with Edo Kayembe surprisingly pipping Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki to the starting eleven.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Mpasi; Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi; Wan-Bissaka, Mukau, Moutoussamy, E. Kayembe, Masuaku; Wissa, Bakambu
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Colombia’s top FIFA World Cup Fantasy assets
Daniel Munoz ($4.6m) – Defender
Luis Diaz ($8.1m) – Midfielder
Luis Suarez ($5.7m) – Forward
Matchday 2 captain pick: Luis Diaz
Set-piece duty
Penalties: James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz
Free kicks: James Rodriguez
Corners: James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias
Congo DR's top FIFA World Cup Fantasy assets
Aaron Wan-Bissaka ($4.3m) – Defender
Axel Tuanzebe ($4.0m) – Defender
Yoane Wissa ($6.2m) – Forward
Matchday 2 captain pick: Yoane Wissa
Set-piece duty
Penalties: Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu
Free kicks: Yoane Wissa, Gael Kakuta
Corners: Arthur Masuaku
Key stats
- Coming soon
Colombia vs Congo DR prediction
Congo DR have proven over quite a sustained period of time now that they are capable of shutting even teams that are among the best in international football down and they will fancy themselves to stick to and trust that game plan here.
Colombia haven't been as good in the last couple of years as they were between 2022 and the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America but pre-tournament victories against Costa Rica and Jordan, as well as their win against Uzbekistan, would suggest they are rediscovering their attacking fluency.
Nestor Lorenzo's side will be wary of the obdurate Congo DR but there is a bit more variety to the way in which Colombia play in contrast to Portugal, despite not boasting the riches of quality that the Portuguese possess, and so backing the Colombians to get over the line in what will likely be another entertaining watch for the neutral between two clashes in style appears a decent bet.
Colombia vs Congo DR betting tip: Colombia to win & both teams to score
