Colombia faces added pressure on matchday 2 against DR Congo after Portugal dismantled Uzbekistan earlier today to take leadership of the group. A win or a draw would be enough to secure Colombia’s place in the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup. We look at confirmed lineups and team news.
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Colombia vs DR Congo
Date: Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026
Venue: Estadio Akron in Guadalajara
Kick Off: 22:00 in Guadalajara
Referee: Maurizio Mariani
Current Odds: Colombia 1.55, Draw 4.2, DR Congo 7.5
Colombia Team News
Guadalajara is painted the festive color of Colombia’s iconic yellow jerseys as Los Cafeteros feel the anxiety of a game where they begin as favorites, but not certain favorites. With no obvious injury or suspension issues, Colombia is expected to repeat their XI from the opening match, even though a few players like goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, and the famous #10 James Rodriguez had subpar performances in the opener. An argument has been made to start Deiver Machado over Jhon Mojica at LB.
After he was not used in the opening game, Juan Fernando Quintero could see minutes off the bench as the #10, while Cucho Hernandez looks set to be the second striker option, ahead of Jhon Cordoba.
DR Congo Team News
Another case of “no news is good news”, DR Congo has the same players available for matchday 2 as the team that drew with mighty Portugal on matchday 1. Their manager gave little away ahead of the game, saying his team was aiming for a “win or a draw”.
Accordingly, a defensive setup should continue to suit DR Congo, five at the back, sitting behind the ball and absorbing Colombia’s pressure, looking for an opening or set piece magic. It’s the formula that has allowed many underdog countries to secure wins or draws this tournament, including CAF sides Cape Verde and Ghana.
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Colombia Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
*confirmed lineups will be posted when available
GK; Camilo Vargas
Defenders: Johan Mojica, Jhon Lucumi, Davinson Sanchez, Daniel Munoz
Midfield: Gustavo Puerta, Jefferson Lerma, James Rodriguez
Forwards: Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez, Jhon Arias
DR Congo Predicted Lineup (5-3-2)
*confirmed lineups will be posted when available
GK: Lionel Mpasi Nzau
Defenders: Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Midfield: Edo Kayembe, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau
Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
