Colombia vs DR Congo World Cup 2026 Preview: Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez Aim to Seal Group K Spot
Colombia top Group K after a dominant 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in their World Cup opener, while DR Congo pulled off the group stage’s biggest shock — a 1-1 draw against Portugal. These two teams meet tonight (June 23, 10:00 PM ET) at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara in what could decide who accompanies Colombia into the knockout rounds.
Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Colombia vs DR Congo — Group K, Matchday 2 |
| Date & Time | June 23/24, 2026 — 02:00 UTC (June 24) / 10:00 PM ET / 3:00 AM BST |
| Venue | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico |
| TV (UK) | ITV & BBC |
| TV (USA) | FS1 & Telemundo |
| Group K Standings | Colombia 3pts • DR Congo 1pt • Portugal 1pt • Uzbekistan 0pts |
Colombia: Copa America Runners-Up in Their Prime
Colombia enter this match riding high. Their 3-1 destruction of Uzbekistan in Matchday 1 — played in Mexico City, a venue that suits their South American style — was a statement of intent. Luis Díaz was the standout performer: he assisted Daniel Muñoz’s opener before scoring a dynamic second-half goal himself from a Gustavo Puerta counter-attack feed. James Rodríguez, at 34, continues to pull the strings from deep — his passing range, vision and dead-ball delivery are among the best in the tournament.
Los Cafeteros reached the final of the 2024 Copa América before losing to Argentina, and this squad carries that experience. Head coach Néstor Lorenzo has built a system that balances attacking flair with defensive structure, making Colombia one of the most complete teams in Group K. A win tonight would effectively seal their place in the Round of 32 before the final group matchday.
DR Congo: The Group Stage’s Greatest Shock Makers
Few gave DR Congo — back at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years — any chance against Portugal in their opener. Yoane Wissa, the Brentford striker making his World Cup debut, had other ideas. His equaliser in the second half earned the Leopards an extraordinary 1-1 draw against one of the tournament favourites, making DR Congo the story of the opening weeks of the tournament.
The Leopards are not here merely to make up the numbers. They showed discipline against Portugal, tactical coherence, and the ability to execute a defensive game plan at the highest level. Their back line was resolute against the talents of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva; Wissa provided the clinical edge up front that caught Portugal flat-footed.
However, DR Congo now face a different kind of challenge. Against Colombia, they will be the defensive side once more, but this time facing Luis Díaz’s directness, James Rodríguez’s creativity, and the pace of Colombia’s forward line. A draw tonight might not be enough to guarantee progress depending on what happens in the Portugal vs Uzbekistan match. See all Group K coverage →
Key Matchups to Watch
- Luis Díaz vs DR Congo’s Right Back — Díaz is Colombia’s most dangerous player and will target the space behind DR Congo’s defensive line. His speed and willingness to run in behind is precisely what DR Congo struggled against when Portugal attacked.
- James Rodríguez vs DR Congo’s Press — El Maestro operates in pockets of space and needs time on the ball. DR Congo will attempt to press him high and prevent him from controlling the tempo of the match.
- Yoane Wissa vs Colombia’s Centre-Backs — The Brentford striker is DR Congo’s most potent weapon. On the counter-attack, his acceleration and finishing power can trouble any defence in the tournament.
- Colombia’s Set Pieces — James Rodríguez is one of the best set-piece takers in world football. His delivery from corners and free kicks represents a significant danger against a DR Congo side that conceded from a set-piece situation in their opening draw with Portugal.
Group K Context and Stakes
This match has enormous implications beyond just three points:
- Colombia win: Virtually certain of advancing as group winners heading into the final matchday vs Portugal
- DR Congo win: Jump above Portugal and dramatically complicate Group K’s final matchday picture
- Draw: Both teams stay at current positions, and Portugal must beat Uzbekistan to stay alive
The group finale will see Portugal vs Colombia and DR Congo vs Uzbekistan. If tonight ends in a draw, all three of Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo could theoretically advance or be eliminated, making it a genuinely tense final matchday.
Prediction
Colombia have the quality, momentum and motivation to get this done. Díaz and James in this form are a level above what DR Congo can comfortably contain for 90 minutes. However, the Leopards’ discipline and counter-attacking threat means Colombia cannot afford complacency. Prediction: Colombia 2-1 DR Congo. A hard-fought victory that books Colombia’s place in the knockout rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Group K Matchday 1. Daniel Muñoz scored the opener (assisted by Luis Díaz), and Díaz added a second-half goal. A third goal was added in the second half to complete the 3-1 victory.
DR Congo earned one of the most celebrated results in their World Cup history by drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group K opener. Yoane Wissa scored their equaliser. It was DR Congo’s first ever World Cup point and first World Cup appearance in 52 years.
Colombia vs DR Congo kicks off at 02:00 UTC on June 24, 2026 (10:00 PM ET on June 23 / 3:00 AM BST on June 24) at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. Broadcast on FS1 and Telemundo in the USA, ITV and BBC in the UK.
Colombia’s most important players at the 2026 World Cup are Luis Díaz (Liverpool winger, pace and directness), James Rodríguez (captain and creative quarterback), Daniel Muñoz (overlapping right-back), and Richard Rios (midfield engine). Falcao is not part of this squad.