Sabasports Match Preview
World Cup: Colombia vs DR Congo
Kickoff Time: 2026-6-24 10:00 (HKT)
Colombia cruised to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their opening group match, securing a winning start to their campaign. Tactically, Colombia deploy a 4-3-3 formation built around aggressive high pressing. In central and defensive midfield, Jefferson Lerma marshals the engine room as a ball-winning defensive midfielder tasked with forming a protective shield in front of the centre-backs. Lerma brings robust physical duels, wide defensive coverage and competent ball progression from deep for his side. Operating further forward alongside him is Luis Suárez, a versatile all-round number nine capable of operating out wide or through the middle, excelling in physical battles and clinical finishing. The 28-year-old striker has enjoyed elite centre-forward form with Sporting CP this season. Unquestionably Colombia’s biggest star at present is Luis Díaz, who delivered outstanding performances for Bayern Munich throughout the campaign and played a key role in their historic treble triumph. In the opening fixture, Díaz dominated his flank with relentless, penetrating runs and a highly energetic display. He contributes to build-up play, finishing and fluid combination play with teammates, while also committing diligently to defensive work to ease the workload of his backline. Another noteworthy veteran is James Rodríguez. Though his pace has diminished with age, his long-range distribution and set-piece delivery remain crucial attacking weapons for Colombia during sustained possession phases.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo claimed a surprise 1-1 draw against Portugal on matchday one, a hugely morale-boosting result for a side returning to the World Cup after a 52-year absence. This squad should not be underestimated, however: nearly ten of their players ply their trade across Europe’s top five leagues, including household names such as Cédric Bakambu and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Additional quality is provided by established talents Chancel Mbemba Mangulu, Noah Junior Sadiki and Yoane Wissa, all of whom boast formidable individual ability. Tactically, DR Congo operate a defensive counter-attacking system, and they arguably boast the tightest tactical discipline of any African representative. Their off-ball movement, coordinated defensive support and positional rotation meet the high standards set by elite European nations. That said, DR Congo possess a glaring flaw: poor conversion rates in the final third. Both full-backs are attack-minded with defensive vulnerabilities, robbing the team of sustained momentum when building possession. Their build-up play in settled periods relies entirely on link-up play and individual brilliance from Bakambu and Wissa. This makes their attack easy to neutralise for opposition sides; once their frontline focal points are marked out of the game, their offensive threat grinds to a halt.
On paper, Colombia hold a clear superiority over DR Congo. Despite DR Congo’s shock opening draw with Portugal, their tactical frailties are plain to see. Faced with Colombia’s dominant wide attacking threats, DR Congo’s fragile full-back positions are set to come under severe pressure. All factors considered, Colombia – blessed with superior squad quality and fine recent form – are tipped to build on their opening win and claim another three points.
Colombia ‘s Last 5 Games: WWWLL
2026-06-18 Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia
2026-06-08 Colombia 2-0 Jordan
2026-06-02 Colombia 3-1 Costa Rica
2026-03-30 Colombia 1-3 France
2026-03-27 Colombia 1-2 Croatia
DR Congo ‘s Last 5 Games: DLDDW
26-06-18 Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
26-06-10 DR Congo 1-2 Chile
26-06-04 Denmark 0-0 DR Congo
26-04-01 DR Congo 0-0 Jamaica (1-0 after extra time)
26-03-26 DR Congo 2-0 Bermuda
Prediction: Colombia home win