FIFA World Cup 2026: Colombia vs DR Congo Preview, Team News & Prediction

Colombia Target Knockout Qualification Against Resilient DR Congo

Colombia will aim to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 when they face DR Congo in a crucial Group-stage encounter on Tuesday.

After opening their campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, Nestor Lorenzo's side sit top of the group and know that another win would guarantee progression to the knockout stages.

Match Preview

Colombia made the perfect start to their World Cup campaign despite being pushed all the way by tournament debutants Uzbekistan. Goals from Luis Suarez, Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz sealed a 3-1 victory, although the scoreline was somewhat flattering given the competitiveness of the contest.

Luis Diaz once again proved his importance to Los Cafeteros, scoring the decisive goal before Campaz added a late insurance strike deep into stoppage time. The result leaves Colombia as the only team in the group with three points after Portugal were held to a draw by DR Congo.

Having reached the quarter-finals and Round of 16 in their previous two World Cup appearances, Colombia will be confident of continuing their impressive tournament pedigree.

DR Congo, however, showed they are capable of causing problems for any opponent. The African nation produced an impressive performance against Portugal in their opening fixture and were unfortunate not to claim all three points.

Despite conceding early to Joao Neves, Sebastien Desabre's men remained organised and disciplined throughout. The Leopards restricted Portugal's attacking opportunities and created several chances of their own, with Cedric Bakambu and Joris Kayembe both missing late opportunities that could have secured a memorable victory.

After returning to the World Cup stage for the first time in over five decades, DR Congo have already demonstrated they belong among football's elite and will be eager to claim their first World Cup victory.

Team News

Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo could revert to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation after using an attacking setup against Uzbekistan.

Veteran playmaker James Rodriguez is expected to operate behind striker Luis Suarez, who enjoyed a prolific club season with Sporting Lisbon, scoring 28 league goals. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich star Luis Diaz remains Colombia's biggest attacking threat and will be central to their hopes of securing qualification.

For DR Congo, Sebastien Desabre may consider switching from the back-five system used against Portugal, although the defensive solidity shown in that match could convince him to keep the same structure.

Experienced defender Chancel Mbemba will lead the backline but must avoid another booking to prevent suspension. In attack, Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu will carry the goalscoring responsibility after both impressed in the opening match.

Prediction

DR Congo showed against Portugal that they are well-organised and difficult to break down, but Colombia possess greater quality in the final third and have several match-winners capable of deciding tight contests.

The Leopards are expected to make life difficult for Los Cafeteros, yet Colombia's attacking talent should ultimately prove decisive.

Prediction: Colombia 2-1 DR Congo