Colombia enters the field this Tuesday (23) with the chance to secure a place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The opponent is DR Congo, at the Akron Stadium, in Guadalajara, in the second round of Group K. The focus is on the likely lineups, which should maintain the bases of their debuts.
Néstor Lorenzo has everything he needs to repeat the 4-2-3-1 formation that beat Uzbekistan 3-1. The likely Colombian lineup has:
- Goalkeeper: Camilo Vargas
- Defense: Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica
- Midfield: Jefferson Lerma (or Ríos), Gustavo Puerta
- Attack: James Rodríguez, Juan Arias (or similar), Luis Díaz and Luis Javier Suárez
Luis Díaz, scorer of the first goal on his debut, and James Rodríguez, with decisive passes, are the main players. The Argentine coach must maintain the starting lineup to guarantee the triumph that practically classifies the team.
On the DR Congo side, Sébastien Desabre should opt for a compact 5-3-2, similar to the one that held the draw against Portugal. The likely lineup includes:
- Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi
- Defense: Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe (or similar), other defenders
- Midfield: Noah Sadiki (or Mukau), Edo Kayembe, Samuel Moutoussamy
- Attack: Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu
Wissa, who scored the historic goal against Portugal, and Bakambu, James Rodríguez’s teammate at Betis at times, are the offensive highlights. The African team seeks to exploit quick counterattacks.
Tactical strategies and challenges
Colombia must dominate possession of the ball and press high, taking advantage of Díaz’s speed on the flanks. DR Congo, with a reinforced defense, will rely on vertical transitions and long balls for their attackers. Lorenzo warned of the danger of the opponent’s direct balls.
The midfield duel will be decisive. Puerta and Lerma need to contain the Congolese rises, while James Rodríguez seeks to create chances for the men in front.
Impact on Group K
A Colombian victory practically seals classification. DR Congo, with one point from its debut, needs to add to stay alive in the search for an unprecedented place in the knockout stage. Group K still has Portugal and Uzbekistan in the fight. Referee Maurizio Mariani commands the match at Akron Stadium.