Colombia and DR Congo meet in Group K at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on June 23, 2026 (8:00 PM local time), with Colombia looking to extend their lead at the top of the standings after a 3-1 opening win over Uzbekistan. DR Congo head into this fixture on the back of a creditable 1-1 draw with Portugal, their first World Cup point in the country’s history. The central betting question is whether Colombia’s attacking depth is enough to overcome a DR Congo side that has already shown it can hold its own against top-tier opposition.
Colombia are priced as firm favorites at -192 with BetOnline and Lucky Rebel, a reflection of their superior tournament pedigree and the momentum they carry from Matchday 1. Six goals across their last two competitive appearances, combined with a squad that features Luis Díaz (now at Bayern Munich) and captain James Rodríguez (126 caps, 31 international goals), give Colombia a clear edge on paper. DR Congo, making only their second World Cup appearance, arrive as significant underdogs at +650 but demonstrated defensive organization against Portugal that cannot be dismissed.
Why This Game Matters
A Colombia win here would put them six points clear with one group game remaining against Portugal, making qualification from Group K almost certain. For DR Congo, a victory or draw keeps them in contention for one of the top two spots, or at minimum a third-place berth across the expanded 48-team bracket. With Portugal also on one point after their draw, the group remains genuinely open and every result on Matchday 2 carries significant weight.
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Our Pick
Colombia to win (-192, BetOnline) is the headline call, backed by their clinical finish against Uzbekistan and a squad depth that gives manager N. Lorenzo genuine options across all positions. At -192, the price is short but reflects a genuine gap in World Cup experience and attacking quality between these two sides.
Colombia vs DR Congo: Preview, Picks & Betting Odds
Colombia’s return to the World Cup after missing Qatar 2022 has been built on a clear identity under N. Lorenzo. The team arrived in North America as 2024 Copa América runners-up, with a qualifying campaign that produced wins over Bolivia and Venezuela and draws with Argentina and Brazil. Their Matchday 1 performance against Uzbekistan, a 3-1 victory featuring goals from Luis Díaz, Daniel Muñoz, and Jaminton Campaz, confirmed that the attacking unit is functioning well and that James Rodríguez remains the creative engine despite his 34 years. The challenge now is to maintain that level against a DR Congo side that defends with far greater structure than Uzbekistan managed.
DR Congo’s 1-1 draw with Portugal was a genuine statement result. Coached by Sébastien Desabre, who has been in charge since August 2022 and oversaw the full qualifying campaign, the Leopards held a top-ten ranked side and equalized through Yoane Wissa, who also scored the first World Cup goal in the country’s history. Desabre’s side qualified by beating Cameroon and Nigeria before a playoff win over Jamaica, so the squad has experience of high-pressure knockout football. The question against Colombia is whether they can generate enough attacking threat on the counter to complement their defensive solidity.
The Colombia vs DR Congo betting odds point heavily toward a home-team-style Colombia win, but the totals market offers a more nuanced angle. DR Congo showed they can score against Portugal, and Colombia’s defense conceded to Uzbekistan, suggesting both teams finding the net is a realistic outcome. The under 2.5 goals line at -143 (best available price) accounts for DR Congo’s tendency toward low-scoring affairs in qualifying, where they won multiple games 1-0.
Recent Form & Trends
Colombia last five results:
- Uzbekistan (N): Won 3-1 (FIFA World Cup, June 17, 2026)
- Jordan (N): Won 2-0 (Friendly, June 7, 2026)
- Costa Rica (H): Won 3-1 (Friendly, June 1, 2026)
- France (N): Lost 1-3 (Friendly, March 29, 2026)
- Croatia (N): Lost 1-2 (Friendly, March 26, 2026)
Colombia’s form shows three straight wins heading into this fixture, including their competitive opener against Uzbekistan. The two losses came against France and Croatia, both ranked higher in UEFA competition, and both in March tune-up friendlies before the tournament. Their attacking output is notable: three or more goals in three of their last five matches.
DR Congo last five results:
- Portugal (N): Drew 1-1 (FIFA World Cup, June 17, 2026)
- Chile (N): Lost 1-2 (Friendly, June 9, 2026)
- Denmark (N): Drew 0-0 (Friendly, June 3, 2026)
- Jamaica (N): Won 1-0 (FIFA World Cup qualification, March 31, 2026)
- Bermuda (N): Won 2-0 (Friendly, March 25, 2026)
DR Congo’s recent results reflect a side comfortable in low-scoring, disciplined encounters. Four of their last five matches have produced two goals or fewer, and three have ended level or in a narrow one-goal margin. Their 1-1 draw with Portugal represents the standout result and the clearest indicator of what Desabre’s side is capable of at this level.
Injuries, Suspensions & Roster News
Colombia’s squad is announced and largely fit, with no confirmed absentees ahead of this fixture. N. Lorenzo has the full range of attacking options available, including Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, and the forward line that delivered against Uzbekistan. Richard Ríos (32 caps) and Jefferson Lerma (65 caps) provide physical cover in midfield, and the defensive unit remains unchanged with Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Lucumí the most likely central pairing.
For DR Congo, Sébastien Desabre has a squad available with no confirmed suspensions following the draw with Portugal. Chancel Mbemba (109 caps), the captain and experienced defender at Lille, anchors the back line. Yoane Wissa, who opened his World Cup account against Portugal, is fit and expected to lead the attacking line. The midfield blend of Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, and Noah Sadiki gives Desabre options to maintain the compact shape that frustrated Portugal.
There are no confirmed injury withdrawals for either side at the time of writing. Both squads are at full strength, which means the Colombia vs DR Congo lineups should reflect each manager’s first-choice selections with full tactical intent.
Expected Lineups
Colombia (4-2-3-1): Camilo Vargas; Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos; Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez (c), Luis Díaz; Jhon Córdoba.
Predicted lineup – squad to be confirmed.
DR Congo (4-3-3): Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba (c), Dylan Batubinsika, Arthur Masuaku; Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Noah Sadiki; Meschak Elia, Yoane Wissa, Théo Bongonda.
Predicted lineup – squad to be confirmed.
Key Matchup to Watch
The duel between Luis Díaz and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the most consequential individual contest on the pitch. Díaz, who has 22 international goals across 74 caps for Colombia, is operating at peak level in club football at Bayern Munich and was on the scoresheet in the Uzbekistan opener. Wan-Bissaka, capped 12 times for DR Congo and a naturally defensive right back at West Ham United, will need to contain Díaz’s directness and his habit of cutting inside onto his right foot. If Wan-Bissaka is pushed too deep, space opens centrally for James Rodríguez to dictate play, which is precisely the scenario DR Congo’s structure must prevent to stay in the game.
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Colombia to win (-192, BetOnline): Colombia have won three of their last five across all competitions, scoring at least two goals in each victory. Their 3-1 win over Uzbekistan on Matchday 1 demonstrated clinical finishing from multiple positions, and with the full first-choice XI expected, the Colombia win is the most grounded pick in this fixture.
Under 2.5 goals (-143, best available price): Four of DR Congo’s last five matches produced two goals or fewer. DR Congo’s qualifying campaign featured multiple 1-0 wins, pointing to a side that concedes sparingly and keeps scores tight. Even accounting for Colombia’s attacking output, Desabre’s organized defensive shape makes a high-scoring game less likely than the favorite’s price might suggest.
Yoane Wissa anytime scorer (+odds at leading operators): Wissa scored DR Congo’s first ever World Cup goal against Portugal and leads their attacking line. He is their most dangerous outlet on the counter and, with Colombia likely to commit numbers forward, there will be spaces to exploit behind the defensive line. Check current prices with your preferred sportsbook for the best available value.
Luis Díaz anytime scorer (check current prices): Díaz scored in the opening game against Uzbekistan and has recorded 22 international goals across 74 Colombia appearances. His direct running at Wan-Bissaka and ability to finish from both inside and outside the box make him the likeliest source of a Colombia goal. BetOnline, Lucky Rebel, and BetNow all carry anytime scorer markets where current prices can be compared.
Betting Odds & Lines
The following Colombia vs DR Congo odds are taken from the three approved operators as of June 20, 2026. Colombia are the clear favorites with DR Congo representing long-odds value for outright backers.
| Outcome | BetOnline | Lucky Rebel | BetNow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia Win | -192 | -192 | -197 |
| Draw | +327 | +327 | +315 |
| DR Congo Win | +600 | +600 | +575 |
| Totals (2.5) | BetOnline | Lucky Rebel | BetNow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 2.5 | +130 | +128 | +128 |
| Under 2.5 | -150 | -145 | -145 |
How to Watch & Where to Bet
How to Watch
Colombia vs DR Congo will be broadcast live in the United States on Fox Sports and Telemundo on June 23, 2026, with kickoff at 8:00 PM local time (UTC-6) from Estadio Akron in Guadalajara (Zapopan), Mexico. International viewers can access the match through the broadcasters listed for their respective markets, including ITV and BBC in the UK, Globo and SporTV in Brazil, and TF1 and beIN Sports in France.
How to Bet
To place a bet on this fixture with BetOnline, Lucky Rebel, or BetNow, follow these steps:
- Navigate to your chosen sportsbook’s website or mobile app.
- Create an account or log in if already registered.
- Complete any identity verification steps required by the operator.
- Deposit funds using your preferred payment method, including crypto options at BetNow.
- Search for Colombia vs DR Congo in the soccer or World Cup 2026 section.
- Select your preferred market, such as match result, totals, or anytime scorer.
- Enter your stake and review the potential payout before confirming.
- Submit the bet and retain the confirmation for your records.
Responsible Gambling
Betting involves risk and there is no guarantee of a return on any wager. Anyone who feels that gambling is affecting their finances, relationships, or wellbeing is encouraged to seek help. In the United States, the National Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-GAMBLER. Additional support is available through the National Council on Problem Gambling at ncpgambling.org and Gamblers Anonymous at gamblersanonymous.org. Only bet amounts that are within your means, and set deposit and stake limits where your operator’s tools allow.
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