Colombia v Congo DR prediction, lineups & tips: World Cup 2026 Group K

Colombia arrive at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on Wednesday with a simple brief: win, and their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 is secured. Néstor Lorenzo's side sit top of Group K after beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opener, and three more points here would send them through with a game to spare against Portugal still to come. The stakes could hardly be higher, and nor could the potential obstacle. Congo DR are back on the world stage for the first time in 52 years, and they already have one landmark result to their name.

Colombia's record in the World Cup group stage is strong. They have won six of their last seven matches at this stage, with their only defeat a 2-1 loss to Japan in 2018. Across that run they have scored 17 goals and conceded just five, numbers that point to a side well equipped to manage tournament football.

The 3-1 win over Uzbekistan was not without its nervy moments. Lorenzo conceded as much in his post-match assessment. "I think it had to do with the emotional burden of the first game and also with the responsibility of being favourites," he said. The Uzbeks equalised on the hour before Luis Díaz's 65th-minute strike put Colombia back in front, with Jaminton Campaz sealing it in the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time. Colombia had 61% possession and fired 15 shots. There is quality throughout this squad, James Rodríguez pulling the strings, Díaz carrying the ball at pace from the left, but the defensive concentration lapses that allowed Uzbekistan back into it will need addressing against a more dangerous counter-attacking threat.

Congo DR's opening act at a World Cup for the first time since 1974 was one of the moments of the tournament. Sébastien Desabre set up his side in a 5-3-2, ceded 75% of possession to Portugal, and watched his players frustrate Roberto Martínez's men throughout before Yoane Wissa headed an equaliser just before half-time. The Leopards actually had more shots than Portugal on the night. Desabre told reporters after the draw: "It is a positive way to begin the tournament, but we have to continue improving." A win here would put Congo DR top of the group.

Colombia go into this fixture with a clean bill of health. No suspensions have been confirmed. The one selection question surrounds whether Lorenzo names an unchanged side or freshens things up, with Richard Ríos having been left out against Uzbekistan in favour of Jefferson Lerma. Goalkeeper Camilo Vargas was shaky in the opener and David Ospina may push for a return, though no official change has been confirmed.

For Congo DR, Desabre confirmed all players available ahead of the Portugal game and there are no confirmed absentees for this fixture either. Chancel Mbemba picked up a yellow card against Portugal and will need to be cautious. Wissa, 29, who headed in the Leopards' historic first-ever World Cup goal in Kinshasa, goes into the match fully fit and in the form of his life.

Colombia v Congo DR kicks off at 03:00 BST on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. The match is live on ITV1 in the UK, with a stream available via ITVX. Fox Sports carries the broadcast in the United States.