Colombia vs DR Congo predictions and betting tips – Get 3/1 on a Group K stalemate

Colombia might sit top of Group K, but I am not interested in backing them at a skinny 7/12 to beat a DR Congo side that has already shown they can compete at this level. The value here is firmly with the underdogs, and I have been through both opening games and the numbers to find it.

The sides meet at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara in the early hours of Wednesday UK time, with Colombia able to all but seal qualification and DR Congo desperate to back up the point they took off Portugal.

Los Cafeteros looked clinical but far from watertight in their 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, while the Leopards were the story of the group, holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw on their return to the World Cup after 52 years away. I fancy them to make life awkward again.

My three favourite bets for this one:

• DR Congo to score – 10/11 with SkyBet
• Draw – 3/1 with bet365
• Chancel Mbemba to be shown a card – 5/1 with bet365

Colombia vs DR Congo head to head overview

• Date: Tuesday 23 June 2026 (early hours of Wednesday 24 June UK time)
• Kick-off: 3am UK time
• Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico
• Where to watch: ITV1 and ITVX
• Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
• Last meeting: Never played each other before
• Favourite to win: Colombia at 7/12

Colombia vs DR Congo predicted lineups

Colombia have no injury or suspension worries and Nestor Lorenzo may shift to a 4-2-3-1, with captain James Rodriguez behind Luis Suarez and Luis Diaz the main threat from the left.

DR Congo are also unchanged in terms of fitness, though Chancel Mbemba plays under the cloud of a booking from the Portugal game, and Sebastien Desabre must decide whether to keep the back five that frustrated Portugal or revert to a four.

• Colombia expected lineup: Vargas; Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma; James Rodriguez, Arias, Diaz; Suarez.
• DR Congo expected lineup: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Wissa, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau, Bongonda; Bakambu.

Colombia vs DR Congo predictions

Colombia got the job done against Uzbekistan but the 3-1 scoreline flattered them.

Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and a stoppage-time Jaminton Campaz did the damage, yet they were pegged back to 1-1 just past the hour and needed a rapid counter to settle it.

More tellingly, they have kept just one clean sheet in their last five outings, and for all their attacking class through Diaz, James and Suarez, that back line can be got at.

DR Congo, by contrast, were superb against Portugal. Despite seeing only 25% of the ball, Desabre’s well-drilled side had eight shots and generated more expected goals than Portugal, with Yoane Wissa firing home in first-half stoppage time for their first ever World Cup point.

They are organised, dangerous on the break through Wissa and Cedric Bakambu, and have not lost by more than a single goal under Desabre.

Colombia will have plenty of the ball, but I expect the Leopards to dig in, take their moment and walk away with another draw. I am going for 1-1.

Colombia vs DR Congo betting tips

I have steered clear of the short-priced favourites here and gone looking for value with the underdogs, who I think have plenty to offer in this one. Have a look through my three picks below.

Leopards to bare their teeth again

DR Congo have failed to score in only one of their last five games and showed against Portugal that they carry a genuine threat on the counter, with Wissa and Bakambu both capable of punishing a Colombia defence that has kept just one clean sheet in its last five.

Against a back line they can attack in transition, I am confident the Leopards find the net once more.

Bet on DR Congo to score at 10/11 with Sky Bet

Another Group K stalemate brewing

This has the makings of a frustrating night for the favourites. DR Congo have not lost by more than a goal under Desabre, they have already held one European heavyweight, and Colombia at such short odds carry little appeal given how leaky they have looked.

A repeat of the resilience that earned a point off Portugal is well worth taking on at a big price.

Bet on the draw at 3/1 with bet365

Mbemba walking a disciplinary tightrope

Chancel Mbemba was booked against Portugal and now plays one yellow from a ban, which can change how a defender times his challenges. He is the experienced organiser who steps across to cover, and he will be drawn into duels with Luis Diaz, who won five fouls against Uzbekistan, more than any other Colombia player.

With strict Italian official Maurizio Mariani in charge, averaging close to five yellows a game across his career, the Mbemba card is a tasty price.

 Bet on Chancel Mbemba to be shown a card at 5/1 with bet365

Colombia vs DR Congo latest odds

Find the latest Colombia vs DR Congo betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

World Cup 2026 predictions

We have plenty more World Cup 2026 coverage to get stuck into, with previews, best bets and goalscorer tips across every group, plus predictions from the rest of the football calendar.

Find more predictions and betting tips from our expert punters in our match preview overview at our Match Previews.

Important historical facts about Colombia and DR Congo for betting

• DR Congo are at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, last appearing in 1974 as Zaire, and their 1-1 draw with Portugal earned them the first World Cup point in their history.
• Colombia have scored in 10 consecutive World Cup matches, the joint-longest active run in the tournament alongside defending champions Argentina.
• Los Cafeteros have won six of their last seven World Cup group-stage games, the only blip a 2-1 loss to Japan in 2018, and qualification here would see them reach the knockout rounds for a third straight tournament.
• The nations have never met before, so this Group K clash in Guadalajara is the first ever fixture between Colombia and DR Congo.
• DR Congo have not lost by more than a single goal under Sebastien Desabre, underlining the defensive resilience that makes them so hard to put away.
• Referee Maurizio Mariani is a strict, experienced Italian official who took charge of games at the 2024 Copa America and the 2025 Under-20 World Cup final, averaging close to five yellow cards a game over his career.

About the author

Dave Potter

Dave Potter is the founder of GYTO and has a huge following on X. Dave Potter studies the form and provides daily horse racing tips and football predictions.

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