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COD
None reported.
COL
None reported.
ESPN reported Sébastien Desabre’s 26-man squad with veterans and Europe-based players, framing the return to the World Cup as a milestone after 52 years away.
The team scrapped its planned Kinshasa farewell camp because of the Ebola outbreak, but team spokesperson Jerry Kalemo said the other preparation stages and friendlies would continue as scheduled.
Yahoo Sports reported that none of the 26 selected players are based in the Ebola-affected regions, which reduces direct squad disruption.
Sports Mole predicted a starting XI of Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Wissa, Bakambu.
None of the provided results contain a verified, current Colombia injury or suspension update in the last 72 hours.
None of the provided results include a verified Colombia press conference quote in the last 72 hours.
None of the provided results include a verified Colombia predicted XI or lineup leak in the last 72 hours.
None of the provided results provide a verified recent morale update for Colombia.
If you want, I can also turn this into a match-preview format with separate sections for DR Congo, Colombia, and head-to-head implications.
Their game model is built around defensive compactness and quick transitions, with long passes used to bypass midfield pressure and launch attacks directly into space for Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu.
The recent qualification numbers point to a side that is hard to break down: they conceded only 0.60 goals per 90 in the qualifying cycle, while generating just 1.23 xG per 90, which matches the picture of a team that defends well but creates fewer sustained attacks.
Colombia’s likely structure under Lorenzo is a 4-2-3-1 with Ríos and Jefferson Lerma as the double pivot, James Rodríguez as the central connector, Luis Díaz as the left-sided direct outlet, and Jhon Arias on the right.
Their attacking pattern is described as built around James finding Díaz in behind with first-time passes, while the full-backs push high to stretch the block and create pockets for Arias and James to operate between the lines.
That suggests Colombia will try to occupy Congo’s block for long stretches, then break it with width, third-man combinations, and vertical service into the left channel.
DR Congo’s pressing is likely to be selective rather than constant: they are organized to protect central zones first, then spring forward when the opponent’s spacing is open enough to attack in transition.
Colombia should press with a more possession-led counterpress, using their front line and double pivot to keep Congo pinned after turnovers and prevent the direct outlet pass into Wissa or Bakambu.
The key risk for Colombia is that if their full-backs push very high, their back line can be exposed immediately after loss of possession, which is exactly the scenario Congo want.
DR Congo’s build-up appears designed to be efficient, not elaborate: they will not want long circulation if it increases the chance of being pressed into mistakes, and they prefer to go forward early once they regain the ball.
Colombia’s build-up should be more positional, with the double pivot providing stability and James dropping into pockets to connect phases and accelerate the attack with disguised vertical passing.
This creates a classic asymmetry: Colombia try to move Congo’s block, while Congo try to avoid being manipulated and instead force the game into direct transitions.
DR Congo’s biggest threat is their ability to attack the moment Colombia lose shape, especially via Wissa’s pace and direct wide runs behind a high line.
Colombia’s transition threat is different: they are more dangerous in the immediate counterpress-to-attack sequence, where James or Díaz can exploit an opponent still reorganizing after losing the ball.
If the match becomes open, Congo benefit from space behind Colombia’s full-backs; if it stays controlled, Colombia’s superior ball retention and chance creation should matter more.
The most important battle is Colombia’s spacing behind the ball versus Congo’s first vertical pass after regain.[1
There is no meaningful senior H2H history between these teams; the only result surfaced is a Colombia U20 vs DR Congo U21 match in 2013, which is not relevant for senior forecasting.
Colombia’s last six listed results include wins over Jordan, Costa Rica, Australia, and New Zealand, with defeats only to stronger European opposition such as France and Croatia. DR Congo’s listed form is more mixed, including a loss to Chile and a draw with Denmark, plus several Africa Cup of Nations matches against lower- to mid-tier African opposition.
In the recent-match snapshot, Colombia are scoring more consistently: the 365Scores feed lists Colombia at 2.4 goals scored over the recent sample, compared with 1.0 for DR Congo. That supports Colombia being more likely to edge a higher-scoring game.
Since there is no senior head-to-head record, the forecast leans on team strength and current performance rather than matchup history; the market consensus also favors Colombia clearly.
If you want, I can turn this into a compact betting-style projection with *over/under* and *both teams to score* probabilities as well.
– Direct free-kick specialist and creative midfielder; expected to score from set-picks or open play.
– Corner taker and attacking left-back; likely to score from crosses or late runs into the box.
– Colombia’s top scorer (7 goals) in qualifiers; leads with 3 successful dribbles per match and high goal involvement.
– Projected central forward in the 4-2-3-1; expected to capitalize on Colombia’s attacking role and service from Diaz/Rodriguez.
– Right-sided forward with strong goal/assist form in qualifiers; likely to cut inside and score.
– Primary penalty and free-kick taker; veteran playmaker with high chance creation and scoring threat from distance.
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo) – Penalty taker with recent scoring form; DR Congo may strike early against Colombia’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Luis Diaz (Colombia) – Colombia’s most prolific scorer in qualifiers, with exceptional dribbling and goal involvement; expected to score multiple times.
*Note: The match is scheduled for June 24, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico. Colombia enters with a goal-scoring problem despite Diaz’s form, while DR Congo relies on Wissa’s finishing and set-piece threats.*
#### 1. Altitude
Guadalajara sits at ~1,500 meters (4,920 ft) above sea level.
Slightly reduced oxygen availability compared to sea level, which can impact aerobic endurance after 20–30 minutes of play.
Likely more affected if players are accustomed to lower altitudes (most of DR Congo is <1,000 m). May experience earlier fatigue in the second half.
Less affected if players come from high-altitude cities (e.g., Bogotá at 2,640 m, Medellín at 1,490 m). Colombian teams often have better altitude acclimatization.
#### 2. Climate Acclimatization
Tropical climate (hot, humid, low altitude). Players may need 3–5 days to acclimatize to Guadalajara’s cooler nights and moderate humidity.
Mixed climate (some high-altitude, some tropical). Players from high-altitude regions will adapt faster; those from lowland areas (e.g., Cartagena) may face similar challenges as DR Congo.
#### 3. Rain & Logistics
If rain occurs, the ball will move faster, and slippery conditions may increase injury risk (e.g., ankle sprains).
possible if match is outdoors.
essential for spectators.
recommended for players if pitch is wet.
#### 4. UV & Heat Exposure
If match is daytime, players and fans need sunscreen, hats, and hydration.
May struggle with UV exposure if not accustomed to high-altitude sun intensity.
Players from high-altitude regions are often more UV-resistant.
| Team | Altitude Impact | Climate Acclimatization | Rain/Wet Pitch | UV/Heat | |------|---------------|------------------------|----------------|---------| | DR Congo | High (low-altitude origin) | Moderate (needs 3–5 days) | Moderate (less experienced with wet pitches) | Moderate (less UV exposure history) | | **