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, Mexico, in the second round of Group K.
Néstor Lorenzo’s team is coming off a convincing 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their debut. Luis Díaz opened the scoring, and the team showed offensive strength with James Rodríguez influential in midfield. Now, a triumph guarantees advancement one round in advance.
On the other hand, DR Congo surprised on their debut by drawing with Portugal. Yoane Wissa scored the Congolese team’s first goal in the World Cup, and the defense was organized against one of the favorites. Coach Sébastien Desabre set up a low block that frustrated the Portuguese on counterattacks.
Duel of tactical philosophies
Colombia should maintain a 4-2-3-1 formation, with ball possession and high pressure. Luis Díaz, in great form, and James Rodríguez are the main threats. The Argentine coach asked for balance: “warm heart and cool head” after the emotion of the opening.
DR Congo, in turn, tends to repeat the 5-3-2 or change to a line of four. The strategy involves exploring quick transitions and long balls, with players like Cédric Bakambu and Wissa up front. It is the team’s return to the World Cup since 1974, when it was still called Zaire.
What’s at stake in Group K
A Colombian victory practically seals classification. DR Congo, with one point, needs to gain to dream of an unprecedented place in the knockout stages. Portugal leads the group, and Uzbekistan is still in the fight. The Akron Stadium, with a capacity for around 46 thousand fans, should have a good presence of Colombians in the Mexican city.
Italian referee Maurizio Mariani whistles the match. The bookmakers’ odds reinforce Colombia’s favoritism, but DR Congo has already proven that it knows how to complicate the lives of the big players.