Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opener to take control of Group K
DR Congo held European giants Portugal to a 1-1 draw for their first point at a World Cup
Recommended bet: Colombia to win and Both Teams to Score
After both teams secured positive results in their opening fixtures, Colombia and DR Congo clash at the Estadio Akron during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Los Cafeteros can guarantee a top-two finish in Group K with a second win while the Leopards can keep their knockout fate at least in their hands if they were to avoid defeat.
The latest Colombia vs DR Congo odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Colombia's James Rodríguez dispelled concerns about his fitness by playing 72 minutes of the 3-1 triumph over Uzbekistan without any issue. It was Luis Díaz who stole the show though at the Azteca in the opener, recording a goal and an assist as part of a scintillating attacking performance from the left.
Crystal Palace duo Jefferson Lerma and Daniel Munoz — who broke the deadlock in Mexico City last Thursday — are also set to retain their place in Nestor Lorenzo’s line-up.
Although he struggled for both form and fitness throughout an injury-ravaged debut campaign at St James’ Park, Yoane Wissa looked back to his old self against Portugal. As well as heading home DR Congo’s equaliser on the stroke of half-time, the Newcastle ace showed plenty of pace and dynamism on the counter-attack.
DR Congo boss Sebastien Desabre is likely to deploy a back five once again as he bids to stifle Colombia’s dangermen, with West Ham full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe both featuring in the Leopards’ defensive line.
The latest Colombia vs DR Congo odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Argentina were the only team in CONMEBOL qualifying to outscore Colombia, who registered 28 goals across 18 matches.
Despite their success in forward areas, the Colombians conceded more goals in qualifiers than any other South American nation in attendance at this summer’s tournament.
It took until the 100th minute of an inter-confederation play-off meeting with Jamaica for DR Congo to secure their place in North America, following a lengthy continental qualification campaign.
The Leopards failed to win either of their World Cup warm-up games, drawing 0-0 with Denmark before losing 2-1 to Chile earlier this month.
The latest Colombia vs DR Congo odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Colombia have been installed as strong favourites heading into Wednesday’s tie, but the outcome is far from inevitable.
DR Congo have already proved they can compete alongside the world’s elite, thanks to last week’s 1-1 draw with Portugal in Houston. The Leopards also demonstrated plenty of grit and determination as it would have been easy for them to capitulate following Joao Neves’s early opener.
While they can emulate Uzbekistan by getting on the scoresheet, there is a question mark over whether Desabre’s men can score enough to win, as a return of 15 goals from 10 group-stage qualifiers is not particularly eye-catching.
Colombia’s belief continues to grow following an extremely tight qualifying section, as they won five of eight subsequent friendlies, losing only two, and started the tournament in positive fashion.
With the likes of Díaz, Rodríguez, Suarez and Davinson Sánchez in their ranks, the Colombians are equipped with players who have consistently performed at the very top level.
Expect DR Congo to put up a good fight, but the current Group K leaders will be expecting to secure maximum points in Zapopan.
Score prediction: Colombia 2-1 DR Congo
Back Colombia to win and Both Teams to Score at 14/5 with LiveScore Bet
See all World Cup 2026 fixtures and group tables.
More World Cup 2026 news and predictions from LiveScore
