Introduction
The Group K match between Colombia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) in Guadalajara is expected to be the first meeting between the two teams in international men's football. Colombia started their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, while DR Congo surprised many by drawing 1-1 against the giant Portugal.
Predictions and Statistics
According to Opta analysts, Colombia is in the top position to secure a win, with 58% of the 25,000 pre-match simulations favoring the team coached by Néstor Lorenzo. DR Congo has a 21% chance of winning, same as the chance of a draw. Colombia has an excellent record in recent World Cup group stages, winning six out of seven last matches, with only one loss being 2-1 to Japan in 2018. In that period, they scored 17 goals and conceded only five. Lorenzo's team has also scored in 10 consecutive World Cup matches, an active record shared with Argentina, the reigning champions.
DR Congo Performance
DR Congo, making their debut since 1974 (then as Zaire), showed high fighting spirit against Portugal. Although they had only 24.6% possession - the lowest on Day 1 - they limited Portugal to seven attempts. The team of Sébastien Desabre took eight shots, six of which were from outside the penalty area (75%), the highest rate among any team in the first round. However, only two shots hit the target, an aspect that needs improvement. Yoane Wissa, the first goal scorer for DR Congo in the World Cup, is expected to contribute again. If he scores in Guadalajara, he will become the second African player after Mohamed Salah to score in two World Cup debut appearances.
First Encounter
This is the first meeting between Colombia and DR Congo. It is also the second time DR Congo faces a CONMEBOL team, after losing 2-1 to Chile in a friendly match before the World Cup. Colombia lost their first World Cup match against an African team (2-1 to Cameroon in 1990), but since then, they have won three consecutive matches with a one-goal advantage: 1-0 against Tunisia (1990), 2-1 against Ivory Coast (2014), and 1-0 against Senegal (2018).
Squad and Key Players
Colombia has a squad including David Ospina, Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, and many more. Díaz was outstanding against Uzbekistan with one goal and one assist, along with six touches in the opponent's box, four dribbles, and eight duel wins. DR Congo also features experienced players such as Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Yoane Wissa. Here is the full squad:
Colombia: David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Álvaro Montero, Daniel Muñoz, Jhon Lucumí, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Johan Mojica, Willer Ditta, Deiver Machado, Davinson Sánchez, Kevin Castaño, Richard Ríos, Jorge Carrascal, James Rodríguez, Jhon Arias, Gustavo Puerta, Juan Portilla, Jefferson Lerma, Juan Fernando Quintero, Jaminton Campaz, Luis Díaz, Jhon Córdoba, Cucho Hernández, Luis Suárez, Andrés Gómez.
DR Congo: Lionel Mpasi, Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Steve Kapuadi, Axel Tuanzebe, Dylan Batubinsika, Joris Kayembe, Chancel Mbemba, Gédéon Kalulu, Arthur Masuaku, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Théo Bongonda, Gaël Kakuta, Noah Sadiki, Aaron Tshibola, Charles Pickel, Edo Kayembe, Nathanaël Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Meschack Elia, Cédric Bakambu, Fiston Mayele, Yoane Wissa, Simon Banza.
Expected Lineup
Although the exact lineup has not been announced, based on previous matches, Colombia is expected to field Ospina in goal; defense of Muñoz, Lucumí, Mina, Mojica; midfield of Castaño, Ríos, Rodríguez; and an attacking line of Arias, Díaz, Córdoba. DR Congo may line up Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Batubinsika, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Pickel; Bongonda, Kakuta, Elia; and Wissa as a lone striker.
Conclusion
This match is definitely worth watching. Colombia wants to ensure a spot in the knockout stage for the third consecutive time, while DR Congo is trying to prove they are not just an underdog team. With Opta's supercomputer favoring Colombia, anything can happen on the field.
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*Original source: [theanalyst.com](https://theanalyst.com/articles/colombia-vs-dr-congo-prediction-world-cup-2026-match-preview)*