Match Preview

Colombia are back on the World Cup stage after missing out in 2022, and they have wasted no time reminding everyone of their quality. Under Néstor Lorenzo, Los Cafeteros put together an outstanding qualifying campaign, highlighted by statement wins over both Brazil and Argentina on their way to securing a return to football’s biggest stage.

This is Colombia’s seventh World Cup appearance, with their finest run coming in 2014 when they reached the quarter-finals and James Rodríguez finished as the tournament’s top scorer. More than a decade later, James remains a key figure, now guiding a squad that blends tournament experience with pace, energy, and attacking flair.

Colombia made an impressive start to their 2026 campaign by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1. Daniel Muñoz opened the scoring, Luis Díaz starred with a goal and an assist, and Jáminton Campaz wrapped things up deep into stoppage time. Lorenzo’s side controlled the contest for long spells, enjoying 61% possession, completing 444 passes, and firing 15 shots as they underlined their attacking threat.

Luis Díaz once again looked like Colombia’s main difference-maker and remains one of the most dangerous wide players in the tournament. With James Rodríguez pulling the strings, plus the energy of Richard Ríos, Jefferson Lerma, and Jhon Arias, Colombia have more than enough weapons to trouble almost any defense.

DR Congo, meanwhile, have already surpassed expectations simply by making it to this stage. The Leopards are appearing at only their second World Cup and their first since 1974, when they competed as Zaire and lost all three matches without finding the net.

Their qualification journey was one of the stories of the campaign. After coming through African qualifying, they knocked out Cameroon and Nigeria before sealing their World Cup place by beating Jamaica in the intercontinental playoffs.

They then produced one of the standout results of the opening round by drawing 1-1 with Portugal. Up against a side led by Cristiano Ronaldo, DR Congo showed discipline, resilience, and belief to secure the first World Cup point in the nation’s history. Yoane Wissa scored the equaliser just before half-time, becoming the first Congolese player ever to score at a World Cup.

Sébastien Desabre’s team relied heavily on defensive organisation in that match, with Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, and goalkeeper Mpasi-Nzau all delivering strong performances. Portugal controlled much of the ball and created pressure, but DR Congo stayed compact, defended bravely, and made their chances count.

The challenge against Colombia, however, may be even more complicated in some respects. Colombia play with more verticality and speed than Portugal, especially through Luis Díaz and the forward runs of Daniel Muñoz, which could force the Congolese back line into a much more uncomfortable game.

Possible DR Congo lineup: Mpasi-Nzau; Masuaku, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka; Kayembe, Moutoussamy, Mukau; Bakambu, Wissa.

Key Trends

DR Congo are playing in only their second World Cup and their first since 1974.

The Leopards picked up the first World Cup point in their history after drawing 1-1 with Portugal.

Colombia and DR Congo have never met before.

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