Colombia vs DR Congo: prediction & betting odds 24 June 2026

Form and Line-up Colombia

Colombia started the tournament with a win over Uzbekistan (3:1) and moved top of Group K. The match was not an easy ride: after the break, Uzbekistan improved, equalised and forced the favourites to switch back on. But class told. Luis Diaz restored the lead, and Jamilton Campaz sealed the game in added time. Before the start of the tournament, Nestor Lorenzo's team came through their June warm-up with wins over Jordan (2:0) and Costa Rica (3:1), so in terms of results everything looks coherent.

Colombia play with an emphasis on ball control and sharp acceleration through the flanks. The main weapon is Luis Diaz's pace on the left and James Rodriguez's passing from behind the striker. Daniel Munoz and Yerry Mina push forward actively, so opponents can be stretched not only through individual quality but also through the width of the attack.

Lorenzo has no serious confirmed absences. There is one drawback: the defence sometimes loses concentration. Uzbekistan found their goal after a rebound, and Colombia have conceded seven times in their last five matches. The high full-backs give the team space, but there is room behind them for counter-attacks.

Key numbers:

• Colombia have scored 10 goals in their last five matches, an average of two per game.

• Over 2.5 goals has landed in four of the team's last five matches.

• In the match against Uzbekistan, Colombia had 15 shots and had 61% possession.

Probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Camilo Vargas - Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica - Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Puerta - Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz - Luis Suarez.

Absentees: none.

Form and Line-up DR Congo

DR Congo returned to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years and immediately took points off Portugal (1:1). Sebastien Desabre's team started nervously and conceded early, but did not lose composure. Portugal had a lot of the ball but barely hit the target, while the team waited for their moment before the break. Yoane Wissa scored the country's first goal at a World Cup, and that will certainly add confidence.

The recent-match picture is uneven. A draw with Denmark (0:0), a defeat to Chile (1:2), a win over Jamaica (1:0), a defeat to Algeria (0:1) and a draw with Portugal (1:1). This is a solid and disciplined national team, but without a powerful flow of chances in attack.

On the ball, the shape is closer to a 3-5-2; without it, it becomes a 5-3-2. Five defenders and a compact midfield close off the penalty area, while the attack comes through quick breaks. The main threat is Yoane Wissa's pace and Cedric Bakambu's experience. Chancel Mbemba is dangerous from set pieces, but he has already received a yellow card and now has to play more carefully.

The match against Portugal took a lot of energy. In three days, they need to recover, fly from Houston to Guadalajara and again play against a team who will take the ball. Add to that an altitude of around 1,560 metres. For a national team who defend a lot without the ball, that is an unpleasant factor.

Key numbers:

• In the match against Portugal, DR Congo earned their first point and scored their first goal at a World Cup.

• DR Congo have scored four goals in normal time in their last five matches.

• Over 2.5 goals has landed in only one of the team's last five matches.

Probable line-up (5-3-2): Lionel Mpasi - Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi - Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku - Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu.

Absentees: none.

Who will referee the match 

Maurizio Mariani (Italy) 

Matches – 8 (International matches, 2026);

Average fouls per match – 21;

Average yellow/red cards per match (including second yellows) – 3,5;

Matches with a straight red card – 0 out of 8;

Matches with a penalty – 2 out of 8.