Match Preview · FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage

Colombia vs Congo DR — FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Preview and Prediction

Colombia and Congo DR meet in Guadalajara after unbeaten starts to Group K.

Asad Sial By Asad Sial

Published

FT Match 48
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Group K
Colombia flag Colombia FT 1 - 0 Congo DR Congo DR flag

Scorers: Daniel Munoz 76'

Colombia vs Congo DR brings Group K of FIFA World Cup 2026 to Guadalajara Stadium on Tuesday, June 23. Kickoff is set for 10:00 PM ET, which is 02:00 UTC on Wednesday.

Colombia lead the group after a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. Congo DR sit on one point after a resilient 1-1 draw with Portugal.

Match Details

Key InfoDetail
DateTuesday, June 23, 2026
Kickoff Time10:00 PM ET / 02:00 UTC / 8:00 PM Guadalajara
VenueGuadalajara Stadium, Guadalajara
StageFIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage
GroupGroup K
RefereeMaurizio Mariani

Colombia Preview

Colombia - Current Form, Key Players, and Likely Lineup

Colombia opened with a controlled 3-1 win over Uzbekistan and now have a clean path toward qualification. Luis Diaz, Daniel Munoz, and Jaminton Campaz all scored, which showed the spread of attacking threat.

James Rodriguez remains the creative hub, while Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios give Nestor Lorenzo balance in midfield. Colombia have no major confirmed absentees, so the core should stay stable.

PositionPlayer
GKCamilo Vargas
RBDaniel Munoz
CBDavinson Sanchez
CBJhon Lucumi
LBJohan Mojica
CMJefferson Lerma
CMRichard Rios
RWJhon Arias
AMJames Rodriguez
LWLuis Diaz
STLuis Suarez

Congo DR Preview

Congo DR - Current Form, Key Players, and Likely Lineup

Congo DR returned to the World Cup with a valuable point against Portugal. Yoane Wissa scored the equalizer, while Lionel Mpasi and Chancel Mbemba helped keep the match controlled.

Sebastien Desabre's side can defend deep and break through Wissa, Cedric Bakambu, and Meschack Elia. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku also give the back line strong one-v-one cover.

PositionPlayer
GKLionel Mpasi
RBAaron Wan-Bissaka
CBAxel Tuanzebe
CBChancel Mbemba
LBArthur Masuaku
CMNoah Sadiki
CMSamuel Moutoussamy
RWMeschack Elia
AMEdo Kayembe
LWYoane Wissa
STCedric Bakambu

Head to Head Record

Colombia and Congo DR have no verified previous senior international meeting. Their first tracked matchup now comes in a live World Cup group scenario.

That makes current form more useful than history. Colombia bring the stronger attacking record, while Congo DR bring confidence from frustrating Portugal.

StatDetail
Total Senior Meetings0
Colombia Wins0
Draws0
Congo DR Wins0
Last MeetingNo previous senior meeting
Last World Cup MeetingNo previous World Cup meeting

Key Players to Watch

Luis Diaz is Colombia's main direct threat because he can isolate defenders and attack the box quickly. James also matters because his set pieces can punish a compact block.

Wissa gives Congo DR their clearest transition route after scoring against Portugal. Mbemba and Wan-Bissaka must also manage Colombia's wide pressure for long stretches.

Key Battle to Watch

The key battle is Colombia's left side against Congo DR's right defensive channel. Diaz will try to pull Wan-Bissaka narrow and open space for Mojica.

Congo DR need quick first passes into Wissa after turnovers. If Colombia counter-press well, Desabre's side may struggle to leave their defensive third.

Colombia vs Congo DR Prediction

Congo DR can keep the match tight because their Portugal draw proved their defensive structure. They also carry enough pace to make Colombia respect the counterattack.

Colombia still have more creators, stronger wide threats, and better control in midfield. If Diaz and James find rhythm, Colombia should win. Predicted score: Colombia 2-1 Congo DR.

Colombia vs Congo DR Prediction Factors

The pick leans toward Colombia because they already showed multiple scoring routes. Congo DR's defensive shape keeps the match competitive, but Colombia have the clearer chance creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is Colombia vs Congo DR kickoff?

Colombia vs Congo DR kicks off at 10:00 PM ET on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The UTC kickoff is 02:00 on Wednesday.

Who is the referee for Colombia vs Congo DR?

Maurizio Mariani of Italy is listed as the referee for Colombia vs Congo DR. The match is Group K Match 48 in Guadalajara.

Who are the key players in Colombia vs Congo DR?

Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez, Daniel Munoz, and Jefferson Lerma are key for Colombia. Yoane Wissa, Chancel Mbemba, Lionel Mpasi, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are central for Congo DR.

What is the head-to-head record between Colombia and Congo DR?

Colombia and Congo DR have no verified previous senior meeting. Their first World Cup meeting is in Guadalajara on June 23, 2026.

What is the Colombia vs Congo DR Prediction?

Colombia are the pick because they have more creativity and stronger wide threats. The predicted score is a 2-1 Colombia win.

Colombia can put one foot in the knockout stage with another efficient attacking performance in Guadalajara.

Congo DR have already shown they can frustrate elite opponents, but Colombia's final-third quality should decide it.

Read Also: Colombia vs Congo DR Live Stream and Replay Guide | Colombia vs Congo DR Live Score - Final 1-0 | Colombia vs Congo DR Lineups - Confirmed XIs

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