Colombia
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.
Injuries & Team News
Having utilised an ultra-attacking 4-3-3 in their opening game, with Jhon Arias used in the midfield three, Lorenzo may rein in his side against the Leopards.
The manager could switch to a more familiar 4-2-3-1, with the evergreen James Rodriguez featuring in the No10 role behind Luis Suarez of Sporting CP. Suarez didn’t score against Uzbekistan but he netted 28 times for Sporting in Liga Nos in 2025-26
Luis Diaz, though, remains the team’s star forward, given that Rodriguez is no longer in his prime, and the Bayern Munich wide attacker can hurt the DRC by both creating and scoring.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 3-1 vs Uzbekistan |
W L L W W W |
Predicted Line-Up
Colombia possible starting lineup:
Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Suarez
DR Congo
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 through 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.
Injuries & Team News
As for Desabre, there may be temptation to drop the back five used against Portugal and revert to a four-man defence, although their defensive resoluteness is likely to remain.
The Leopards have never lost by more than one goal under the French manager, and their backline will be marshalled by the experienced Chancel Mbemba, who risks suspension against Uzbekistan after his booking versus Portugal.
Wissa and Bakambu will carry the attacking burden at the other end of the pitch, with Wissa putting a difficult debut season at Newcastle United behind him to score his nation’s first World Cup goal.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-1 vs Portugal |
L W W D L D |
Predicted Line-Up
Congo DR possible starting lineup:
Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kayembe; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Bongonda, Bakambu, Wissa
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Colombia Win | 4.7 – (1.57) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 3/1 – (4.00) | Dream Vegas |
| DR Congo Win | 6/1 – (7.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Colombia 2-0 DR Congo
Colombia look a very talented team and could have scored more than the three they scored vs Uzbekistan. DR Congo do look a bit more limited going forward and i just fancy Colombia to outscore them by a couple of goals.