Predictions
Colombia vs DR Congo: Group K Preview, Kickoff Time & Model Pick
Colombia top Group K after their opening win and meet DR Congo in Guadalajara hoping to seal early progress. Here's the kickoff time, the group picture, and our model's pre-match forecast — labelled as a forecast, not a result.
Colombia arrive at matchday two of Group K in the best possible shape: top of the table, and one win away from taking control of the section. Their opponents, DR Congo, meet them at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara still searching for the goals that would turn a promising start into points on the board.
When and where
- Kickoff: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 — 20:00 local (CT) in Guadalajara
- Venue: Estadio Akron, Zapopan (Guadalajara), Mexico
- Group: K (Colombia, Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan)
In Jalisco for the game? Our host-city guides cover where to watch and where to stay around the Guadalajara venue.
The group picture
Colombia opened with three points and lead Group K on goal difference; Portugal and DR Congo sit level on a single point after sharing the spoils, while Uzbekistan are bottom on zero. A Colombia win here, paired with Portugal’s earlier matchday-two result, would push the Cafeteros to the brink of the Round of 32. For DR Congo, the math is simpler but harsher: a result against the group leaders keeps them firmly in the qualifying conversation; a defeat leaves them needing to beat one of the group’s stronger sides on the final day.
The model’s read
Below is our pre-match model output. Treat it as a forecast: it’s built from pre-tournament team strength and recent form, and it is not a result. We publish confirmed scorelines and stats only once a match is official.
Three things to watch
- Colombia’s creators. Their best route to early qualification is turning territory into clear chances — whether they can break a compact DR Congo block without forcing it will shape the night.
- DR Congo’s physical edge. Athletic and awkward to play through, they will look to stay in the game and threaten on set pieces and transitions, the phases where an upset is most likely to be born.
- Tempo in the Guadalajara heat. An evening kickoff at altitude in Jalisco rewards game management — how both sides handle the conditions could matter as much as the tactics.
Bottom line
Our model makes Colombia favourites at home turf in spirit if not geography, but not by a margin that lets them coast — DR Congo have the profile to make this uncomfortable. We’ll update this page with the verified result and post-match numbers once the final whistle confirms them; until then, everything above is a forecast.
For how the eight best third-placed teams qualify — and why goal difference here matters — see our best third-placed teams explainer, and how our model works.
Kickoff time, venue and group composition are per the official 2026 fixture list. xG and win-probability figures are model estimates, clearly labelled as such; this preview contains no match result.