“Colombia can secure qualification against the surprising DR Congo.”

James Rodríguez is preparing for what could be his final dance in a World Cup, as Colombia takes to the field against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a match that promises to shake up the standings of Group K in Guadalajara. Following a victorious debut for the Colombians against debutants Uzbekistan (3-1), all eyes are on a clash where the Congolese arrive boosted after surprising the world by holding Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal to a 1-1 draw in Houston.

Colombian coach Néstor Lorenzo stuck to his usual formation (4-2-3-1), opting for Camilo Vargas in goal, with Daniel Muñoz, Dávinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, and Johan Mojica making up the defensive line. In midfield, Gustavo Puerta and Jefferson Lerma provide solidity, while James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, and Jhon Arias support striker Luis Suárez. On the other hand, the Democratic Republic of Congo, led by Sébastien Desabre, is expected to maintain the five-defender structure that held Portugal at bay, featuring Lionel Mpasi in goal, a back five of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Samuel Kapuadi, and Arthur Masuaku, and a combative midfield with Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, and Edo Kaywembe. Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa are the main attacking threats for the Congolese side.


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This meeting is crucial for the group configuration. A victory for Colombia guarantees qualification for the knockout stage, allowing Lorenzo to manage the squad in the final matchday. For the DR Congo, a win does not mathematically secure qualification, but it would almost seal their place among the best third-placed teams, a historic achievement for African football and, especially, for a group that few considered as candidates for advancement. The match gains even more significance due to the potential farewell of James Rodríguez from the grand stages, at a moment that could mark the end of a golden generation of Colombian football.

In the preview, Néstor Lorenzo expressed confidence in his squad: “We are focused, we know what is at stake, and we want to secure our passage. The group is motivated, and players like James and Díaz know that every game could be the last at this level,” the coach stated at the press conference the day before. For his part, Sébastien Desabre highlighted the surprise that the draw with Portugal caused: “Our strategy worked against a technically superior team, but now we have to decide whether we take risks against Colombia or maintain our containment. The important thing is to ensure that we depend only on ourselves in the final match,” emphasized the French coach.

Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Desabre will maintain a low block, betting on counter-attacks, or if he will take more risks, knowing that Colombia boasts significantly superior offensive capabilities compared to Uzbekistan, but perhaps less ability to break through tightly packed defenses than Portugal. The bet may lean towards starting Noah Sadiki, after the midfielder made a positive impact against the Portuguese, providing more muscle and balance to the midfield.

With only 25% possession against Portugal, it is expected that fatigue may weigh on the Congolese players as the game progresses, creating the ideal space for the creativity of James Rodríguez and the speed of Luis Díaz to make a difference. In the event of a draw or a Colombia victory, all the pressure will be on the DR Congo for the decisive clash with Uzbekistan, while the South American team could rotate players and prepare for the round of 16 with greater ease.

The match is scheduled to take place at the Estadio de Guadalajara, with global television coverage and strong media attention, and an electrifying atmosphere is expected in the stands, driven by the Colombian and Congolese communities residing in Mexico. Expectations are high: will Colombia confirm its favoritism and secure qualification, or will there be another world shock led by the African “Leopards”? One thing is certain: this will be one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

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