World Cup 2026: Congo DR vs Colombia Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Congo DR face Colombia at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on Wednesday, with kickoff at 04:00 CAT. The Leopards arrive on the back of an historic 1-1 draw against Portugal that earned them their first ever World Cup point, while Colombia sit top of Group K after a clinical 3-1 win over Uzbekistan and now look to all but seal their spot in the Round of 32. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Congo DR

In my opinion Congo DR will set up exactly as they did against Portugal, sitting in a compact 4-3-3 and trusting Yoane Wissa to punish Colombia in transition after he headed home the equaliser in Houston. Sebastien Desabre can lean on a genuinely Premier League quality spine, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Noah Sadiki and Wissa all having featured in the English top flight last season, and captain Chancel Mbemba marshalling the back line. The concern for me is up front, with their limited wide attacking options potentially problematic against a side that dominated possession in its opener. A point would keep their last 16 hopes very much alive, so I expect a disciplined, low risk approach rather than an open game.

Predicted Lineup: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapaudi, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu.

Colombia

Colombia were excellent against Uzbekistan and Nestor Lorenzo can name an unchanged, fully fit squad, with Luis Diaz scoring in that opener and James Rodriguez pulling the strings as captain. My read on this is that Colombia will once again dominate the ball and look to get Diaz running at the Congolese right side. Daniel Munoz and the marauding full backs give them width, while Jhon Arias and Rodriguez offer the creativity to break down a deep block. A win here would put them on the brink of the knockout stage with a game still to go, so I expect a controlled, patient performance.

Predicted Lineup: Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Lerma, Rios; Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Suarez.

I expect Colombia to control this from the front and break down a Congo DR side that will prioritise staying compact after their effort against Portugal. With the Leopards likely to defend deep, I do not see them creating enough to score, while Colombia have the quality through Diaz and Rodriguez to find a way through eventually. My forecast: Congo DR 0 Colombia 2.

Under 2.5 Goals (1.68)

For me there is value in Under 2.5 Goals at 1.68. Congo DR conceded just once against Portugal and will set up to frustrate, so I expect a slow, controlled game where Colombia win without the floodgates opening. A 1-0 or 2-0 Colombia win, which is exactly the range I am forecasting, will see this bet land.