Colombia and DR Congo meet in Guadalajara for a Group K clash that could define both sides' knockout-stage hopes.

Colombia thumped Uzbekistan 3-1 on Matchday 1 and sit pretty at the top of the group, while DR Congo earned a creditable 1-1 draw against Portugal in their first World Cup appearance since 1974.

The Leopards showed real backbone in Houston, but this is a significant step up in intensity.

Los Cafeteros are the clear favourites here, and rightly so. A 28-match unbeaten run under Nestor Lorenzo, the second-highest goal tally in South American qualifying, and a squad brimming with elite-level talent make Colombia one of the most dangerous sides in the tournament.

DR Congo will set up to frustrate, but Colombia have the quality to break down even the most disciplined defensive blocks.

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Colombia vs DR Congo Prediction

Colombia to win in a low-scoring affair is the play here.

Los Cafeteros have the firepower and tactical nous to control this match from start to finish, and with a victory virtually guaranteeing their passage to the knockout rounds, the motivation is sky-high.

DR Congo's defensive shape impressed against Portugal, but they were hanging on for large stretches of that match and needed a set-piece header to salvage the point.

Against a Colombia side that moves the ball quicker and presses harder than Roberto Martinez's men did, that rearguard action will be tested to its limits.

That said, this looks like a tight, cagey encounter rather than a blowout.

Colombia conceded against Uzbekistan when their concentration dipped, and DR Congo will pack numbers behind the ball to limit space.

The altitude in Guadalajara, while less extreme than Mexico City, still saps the legs of teams trying to play at full throttle for 90 minutes, under 2.5 goals shapes as strong value.

The predicted scoreline sits around 1-0 or 2-0 to Colombia.

As our Colombia vs Democratic Republic of the Congo betting odds page suggests, back the South Americans to get the job done without needing to hit top gear, and lean towards the unders in what should be a controlled, professional performance.

If you fancy combining this one with other fixtures, it's worth getting your head around what a multi bet is first, and the World Cup betting hub is handy for checking the rest of the markets before you lock anything in.

Colombia vs DR Congo Team News & Line-ups

Predicted Colombia line-up (4-2-3-1): Camilo Vargas, Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica, Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Puerta, Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, Luis Suárez.

After fielding an ultra-attacking formation in their opener, Colombia are tipped to rein things in with a double pivot against a stubborn defence.

Predicted Democratic Republic of the Congo line-up (5-3-2): Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa.

A coach reportedly leaned on a resolute back five against Portugal and could stick with the same defensive blueprint here. Rocky Bushiri is expected to miss out with an Achilles injury.

Player Markets to Watch

Our pick: Luis Diaz to score anytime.

The Liverpool winger was electric against Uzbekistan, bagging a goal and an assist while terrorising the right side of the defence. He topped Colombia's qualifying charts with seven goals and enters this tournament in blistering form.

DR Congo's right-back channel looks like the most exploitable area of their defence, and Diaz has the pace and finishing to make them pay. He is the most dangerous attacker on the pitch by some distance.

Our pick: Yoane Wissa to have a shot on target.

The Brentford forward showed his quality with a bullet header against Portugal and carries genuine threat in the air and on the counter.

If DR Congo get any sniff of goal, Wissa will be at the centre of it. Colombia's backline has shown it can switch off at set pieces, and Wissa is the man most likely to capitalise.

Our pick: James Rodriguez to register an assist.

Colombia's captain and creative heartbeat is the man who makes everything tick for Los Cafeteros.

His set-piece delivery and vision from central areas have been world-class for over a decade, and he thrives on the biggest stages. With Diaz, Jhon Arias, and others making runs in behind, Rodriguez will have plenty of targets to pick out.

Colombia vs DR Congo Match Details

Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Kick-off: 12:00pm AEST.

Location: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara.

Where to watch: Sportsbet, SBS.

Where to Watch Colombia vs DR Congo

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