A win or a draw would push Colombia into the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup, while DR Congo looks to build momentum after their opening match draw against a favored Portugal side. We offer our predicted lineups and team news for this final clash of the second matchday.
Read More: 2026 World Cup Matchday 13 predictions including Colombia vs DR Congo
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
Manager Nestor Lorenzo trusts his veteran squad, and Colombia are unlikely to make any XI changes for matchday 2. That means James Rodriguez is still the #10 after a subpar first game, Johan Mojica would still be at LB, and Camilo Vargas would remain in goal. Cucho Hernandez and Jaminton Campaz had good shifts off the bench against Uzbekistan but are not set to start. The experienced Richard Rios is still considered the backup behind Gustavo Puerto in the midfield.
Lorenzo urged his team to have a “hot heart and a cool head” in their approach to the game and didn’t offer any clues about the lineup.
DR Congo Team News
DR Congo used five at the back against Portugal, Colombia likely demands the same respect, especially after they scored three goals in the opening game. That would mean no XI changes, with Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa shouldering the attack, and the remaining eight outfield players for DR Congo set to be behind the ball for Sebastien Desabre. Congo’s goal is to stifle Colombia and create the conditions needed to score a precious goal. It’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka who has the task of trying to manage the runs on the wing of Luis Diaz.
Colombia Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
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)
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
