Colombia-DR Congo starting XIs confirmed

The probable line-ups for Colombia and DR Congo in the second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K match are out. Ahead of a game in Guadalajara that could bring Colombia closer to a knockout spot, both managers made their selections clear.

For Colombia, who beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opener, Néstor Lorenzo goes with a balanced 4-2-3-1. Camilo Vargas is in goal, with Daniel Muñoz, Dávinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí and Johan Mojica in the back four. Jefferson Lerma and captain James Rodríguez sit in the midfield pivot. Behind the attack are Santiago Arias and Luis Díaz, with Luis Suárez and Gabriel Puerta taking responsibility further forward. Star man Díaz starting again after his influential display in the opener stands out as one of Colombia's biggest weapons.

For DR Congo, Sébastien Desabre sets up in a cautious, compact 5-3-2. Lionel Mpasi-Nzau is in goal, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, captain Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Sébastien Kapuadi and Arthur Masuaku in the back five. Noah Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy and Edo Kayembe form the midfield three. In attack, the pairing of Yoane Wissa, who scored the historic goal against Portugal, and Cédric Bakambu aims to trouble Colombia's defence.

DR Congo, who went beyond expectations to draw 1-1 with Portugal and take the first World Cup point in their history in the opener, are chasing another surprise here. Colombia, meanwhile, could secure a last-32 berth before facing Portugal in the final game if they win. The two teams had never met before, making this a historic first. How the experienced Lorenzo seeks to break down a deep-defending DR Congo will be the game's key question.

Starting XIs
Colombia (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumí, Mojica; Lerma, Rodríguez; Arias, Díaz, Puerta; Suárez
DR Congo (5-3-2): Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu

Image: Flashscore