Colombia vs DR Congo: World Cup 2026 Predictions, Betting Tips & Odds (24.06.2026)

Colombia are favourites at around 4/9, with the draw priced at roughly 14/5 and DR Congo out at 11/2. A Colombia win remains the most sensible headline pick, though the Leopards’ defensive discipline against Portugal suggests this could be a tighter watch than the odds imply.

Colombia Recent Form

Lorenzo’s side made a strong start to the tournament, seeing off Uzbekistan’s spirited World Cup debutants 3-1 in Mexico City courtesy of Luis Díaz’s double and a stoppage-time Jáminton Campaz finish, though they did have to withstand a spell of Uzbek pressure after Abbosbek Fayzullaev pulled one back midway through the second half. The result continued a productive run heading into the tournament, with Colombia having won three of their last five matches overall, scoring ten goals across that span. James Rodríguez continues to offer experience and craft from midfield at 34, while Luis Díaz’s pace in behind remains Colombia’s most potent attacking weapon. There are no fresh injury concerns to report for Lorenzo’s group, and the head coach is expected to make at most minor adjustments having seen his side manage the contest well after going ahead, a contrast to some of their Group K rivals.

Colombia Key Players

DR Congo Recent Form

Sébastien Desabre’s side produced one of the stories of the opening round, holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw in Houston after João Neves’ early strike was cancelled out by Yoane Wissa just before half-time. It was a result built on the defensive discipline that took the Leopards through CAF qualifying with just five goals conceded in nine matches, and it will have given the squad genuine belief heading into a contest many had expected to be a formality for the European favourites. Captain Chancel Mbemba, the side’s most-capped player with well over 100 appearances, marshalled the backline superbly, while Wissa’s movement up front gives Desabre a reliable outlet on the counter. No fresh injuries or suspensions have been confirmed since the Portugal match, and Desabre is expected to stick with a similar compact setup, looking to frustrate Colombia in much the same way his side frustrated Ronaldo and company.

DR Congo Key Players

Head-to-Head Record

There is no previous history between these two nations. Colombia and DR Congo have never met before at any level, making this a first competitive encounter.

Last 5 Matches

Tactical Breakdown

Lorenzo’s Colombia operate in a flexible 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, looking to dominate the ball and use Díaz’s directness to stretch defences in behind, a method that worked well for long periods against Uzbekistan. DR Congo, set up in a compact 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 mid-block under Desabre, will look to replicate the disciplined shape that so troubled Portugal, conceding space centrally only reluctantly and looking to break quickly through Wissa and Bakambu when the chance arises. The key battle is likely to be in wide areas, where Colombia’s advancing full-backs could be exposed to the kind of overlapping runs DR Congo’s wing-backs showed glimpses of against Portugal. Estadio Akron sits at altitude in Zapopan, which could be a factor for both sides’ conditioning if the game opens up in the closing stages, though neither side should be unduly troubled having already played in similar Mexican conditions during preparation or, in DR Congo’s case, qualifying.

Predicted Line-ups

Colombia Predicted XI

Camilo Vargas; Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos; James Rodríguez, Jhon Arias, Luis Díaz; Luis Suárez

DR Congo Predicted XI

Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika, Arthur Masuaku; Joris Kayembe, Gedoon Kalulu; Meschak Elia, Axel Tuanzebe, Yoane Wissa; Cédric Bakambu

Where to Watch: UK TV & Streaming

Colombia vs DR Congo is live on ITV1 and available to stream on ITVX, with coverage continuing through the night for the 03:00 BST kick-off. As with every match at this World Cup, the game is completely free-to-air for UK viewers, so no subscription is needed to catch the action from Zapopan.

Odds Comparison & Betting Analysis

The implied probability on a Colombia win sits at around 70 per cent, which feels broadly fair given the gap in individual quality, though DR Congo’s organisation against Portugal suggests they won’t simply roll over. Backing the -1 handicap looks a riskier proposition on that evidence, with DR Congo having shown they can stay compact for long periods without conceding heavily. Both teams to score carries some logic given DR Congo found a way past Portugal’s defence and Colombia’s attacking quality should create chances regardless of how the Leopards set up.