World Cup 2026: Colombia in 4-2-3-1 with James Rodríguez against DR Congo in 5-3-2
Colombia face DR Congo at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara in Group K of the 2026 World Cup, with Nestor Lorenzo's side in a 4-2-3-1 and Sébastien Desabre's team set up in a 5-3-2.
SUMMARY
On Tuesday, June 24, 2026 at 03:00 GMT+1, Colombia face the Democratic Republic of Congo at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. This Group K meeting brings together two teams with different ambitions after their opening matches — Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1, while DR Congo shared the points with Portugal (1-1).
This clash promises to be tactically interesting, with Colombia relying on a classic 4-2-3-1 system led by head coach Nestor Lorenzo, highlighting their technical midfield around James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz and Jhon Arias. Opposite them, Sébastien Desabre’s DR Congo opt for a five-man defence in a 5-3-2, prioritising defensive solidity and attacking support with mobile forwards such as Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa.
This meeting could prove decisive in a group where every point is precious in the race to qualify. The presence of experienced leaders on both sides, such as Davinson Sánchez for Colombia and Chancel Mbemba for DR Congo, promises a fierce battle in the defensive duels.
The official lineups confirm these tactical approaches and the coaches’ bold choices, particularly in Colombia’s attacking department with Luis Javier Suárez leading the line, supported by James Rodríguez, and the Congolese intention to pack the midfield with Samuel Moutoussamy and Edo Kayembe.
Reading Colombia’s XI
Colombia line up in a 4-2-3-1 under Nestor Lorenzo. Camilo Vargas starts in goal, protected by a conventional defensive line made up of Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí and Johan Mojica. The double pivot in midfield pairs Jefferson Lerma and Gustavo Puerta, offering a balance between ball-winning and distribution.
In attack, Jhon Arias is positioned on the left while Luis Díaz plays on the right, accompanying James Rodríguez as the playmaker behind Luis Javier Suárez, the lone striker. This setup is designed to maximise creativity in the final third and exploit the technical qualities of captain James Rodríguez.
On the bench, there are several options including David Ospina in goal, Yerry Mina in defence, as well as Jaminton Campaz and Juan Fernando Quintero in attacking support. These substitutes could influence the course of the match depending on the scoreline and the strategy adopted.
Reading DR Congo’s XI
Under Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo opt for a 5-3-2 to strengthen their back line. Lionel Mpasi Nzau is the goalkeeper, while the defence is reinforced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi and Arthur Masuaku. This setup allows them to close down spaces and support the two forwards.
The midfield brings together Ngal’ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy and Edo Kayembe, who play a key role in ball recovery and moving the play forward. Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa form an attacking duo tasked with breaking through the Colombian defence through their movement and complementarity.
On the bench, the Congolese side aim to retain a degree of flexibility, with players such as Gaël Kakuta and Brian Cipenga ready to influence the match in the second half according to tactical and physical needs.
The starting XIs
- 12 Camilo Vargas Goalkeeper
- 2 Daniel Muñoz Defender
- 23 Davinson Sánchez Defender
- 3 Jhon Lucumí Defender
- 17 Johan Mojica Defender
- 16 Jefferson Lerma Midfielder
- 14 Gustavo Puerta Midfielder
- 11 Jhon Arias Midfielder
- 10 James Rodríguez Forward
- 7 Luis Díaz Forward
- 25 Luis Javier Suárez Forward
- 24 Álvaro Montero
- 1 David Ospina
- 13 Yerry Mina
- 18 Willer Ditta
- 22 Deiver Machado
- 4 Santiago Arias
- 21 Jaminton Campaz
- 6 Richard Ríos
- 8 Jorge Carrascal
- 26 Andrés Gómez
- 15 Juan Portilla
- 20 Juan Fernando Quintero
- 5 Kevin Castaño
- 19 Cucho Hernández
- 9 Jhon Córdoba
- 1 Lionel Mpasi Nzau Goalkeeper
- 2 Aaron Wan-Bissaka Defender
- 22 Chancel Mbemba Defender
- 4 Axel Tuanzebe Defender
- 3 Steve Kapuadi Defender
- 26 Arthur Masuaku Defender
- 6 Ngal'ayel Mukau Midfielder
- 8 Samuel Moutoussamy Midfielder
- 25 Edo Kayembe Midfielder
- 17 Cédric Bakambu Forward
- 20 Yoane Wissa Forward
- 21 Matthieu Epolo
- 16 Timothy Fayulu
- 24 Gedeon Kalulu
- 12 Joris Kayembe
- 5 Dylan Batubinsika
- 15 Aaron Tshibola
- 11 Gaël Kakuta
- 18 Charles Pickel
- 9 Brian Cipenga
- 14 Noah Sadiki
- 7 Nathanaël Mbuku
- 23 Simon Banza
- 13 Meschak Elia
- 19 Fiston Mayele
Le fil du match s affichera au coup d envoi.
- 6'But - J. Neves1-0
- 13'Carton jaune - B. Silva
- 32'Carton jaune - C. Mbemba
- 45+5'But - Y. Wissa1-1
- 46'Remplacement - B. Silva (remplace F. Conceicao)
- 57'Remplacement - N. Mukau (remplace N. Sadiki)
- 71'Remplacement - P. Neto (remplace R. Leao)
- 72'Remplacement - N. Mendes (remplace N. Semedo)
- 74'Remplacement - E. Kayembe (remplace C. Pickel)
- 74'Remplacement - A. Masuaku (remplace J. Kayembe)
- 83'Remplacement - Vitinha (remplace G. Ramos)
- 85'Remplacement - C. Bakambu (remplace S. Banza)
- 85'Remplacement - A. Wan-Bissaka (remplace G. Kalulu)
- 88'Carton jaune - N. Semedo
- 90+2'Carton jaune - T. Araujo
- 1 Diogo Costa Goalkeeper
- 20 João Cancelo Defender
- 4 Tomás Araújo Defender
- 13 Renato Veiga Defender
- 25 Nuno Mendes Defender
- 15 João Neves Midfielder
- 23 Vitinha Midfielder
- 10 Bernardo Silva Midfielder
- 8 Bruno Fernandes Midfielder
- 18 Pedro Neto Midfielder
- 7 Cristiano Ronaldo Forward
- 12 José Sá
- 22 Rui Silva
- 2 Nélson Semedo
- 3 Rúben Dias
- 5 Diogo Dalot
- 14 Gonçalo Inácio
- 6 Matheus Nunes
- 24 Samú Costa
- 21 Rúben Neves
- 16 Francisco Trincão
- 19 Gonçalo Guedes
- 9 Gonçalo Ramos
- 11 João Félix
- 17 Rafael Leão
- 26 Francisco Conceição
- 1 Lionel Mpasi Nzau Goalkeeper
- 2 Aaron Wan-Bissaka Defender
- 22 Chancel Mbemba Defender
- 4 Axel Tuanzebe Defender
- 3 Steve Kapuadi Defender
- 26 Arthur Masuaku Defender
- 6 Ngal'ayel Mukau Midfielder
- 8 Samuel Moutoussamy Midfielder
- 25 Edo Kayembe Midfielder
- 20 Yoane Wissa Forward
- 17 Cédric Bakambu Forward
- 16 Timothy Fayulu
- 21 Matthieu Epolo
- 5 Dylan Batubinsika
- 12 Joris Kayembe
- 24 Gedeon Kalulu
- 7 Nathanaël Mbuku
- 10 Théo Bongonda
- 14 Noah Sadiki
- 15 Aaron Tshibola
- 18 Charles Pickel
- 9 Brian Cipenga
- 11 Gaël Kakuta
- 13 Meschak Elia
- 19 Fiston Mayele
- 23 Simon Banza
- Tirs cadres : Portugal 1 / DR Congo 2
- Tirs : Portugal 3 / DR Congo 7
- Possession : Portugal 78% / DR Congo 22%
- Corners : Portugal 3 / DR Congo 4
- Fautes : Portugal 5 / DR Congo 10
- Cartons jaunes : Portugal 1 / DR Congo 1
- Passes : Portugal 662 / DR Congo 179
- Precision des passes : Portugal 94% / DR Congo 82%
- xG : Portugal 0.24 / DR Congo 0.69
- João Neves (Portugal) : note 7.9, 1 but(s)
- Yoane Wissa (DR Congo) : note 7.2, 1 but(s)
- Pedro Neto (Portugal) : note 7, 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
- Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo) : note 6.9, 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
- Vitinha (Portugal) : note 7.5
- Renato Veiga (Portugal) : note 7.3
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) : note 7.2
- Diogo Costa (Portugal) : note 6.6, 1 arret(s)
No confirmed absence yet.
No reliable head-to-head available yet.
- 7'Carton jaune - J. Mojica
- 34'Carton jaune - A. Khusanov
- 40'But - D. Munoz0-1
- 46'Remplacement - O. Urunov (remplace D. Khamdamov)
- 46'Remplacement - S. Nasrullaev (remplace F. Sayfiev)
- 60'But - A. Fayzullaev1-1
- 65'But - L. Diaz1-2
- 72'Remplacement - J. Rodriguez (remplace J. Campaz)
- 77'Remplacement - A. Fayzullaev (remplace A. Amonov)
- 77'Remplacement - R. Ashurmatov (remplace J. Urozov)
- 80'Remplacement - L. Suarez (remplace C. Hernandez)
- 80'Remplacement - G. Puerta (remplace R. Rios)
- 90+3'Remplacement - L. Diaz (remplace A. Gomez)
- 90+3'Remplacement - J. Arias (remplace K. Castano)
- 90+3'Remplacement - E. Shomurodov (remplace I. Sergeev)
- 90+9'But - J. Campaz1-3
- 1 Utkir Yusupov Goalkeeper
- 2 Abdukodir Khusanov Defender
- 18 Abdulla Abdullaev Defender
- 5 Rustam Ashurmatov Defender
- 24 Bekhruz Karimov Midfielder
- 6 Akmal Mozgovoy Midfielder
- 7 Otabek Shukurov Midfielder
- 13 Sherzod Nasrullaev Midfielder
- 22 Abbosbek Fayzullaev Forward
- 11 Oston Urunov Forward
- 14 Eldor Shomurodov Forward
- 4 Farrukh Sayfiev
- 17 Dostonbek Khamdamov
- 12 Abduvokhid Nematov
- 16 Botirali Ergashev
- 3 Khozhiakbar Alizhonov
- 15 Umarbek Eshmuradov
- 25 Avazbek Ulmasaliyev
- 26 Jakhongir Urozov
- 8 Jamshid Iskandarov
- 9 Odiljon Khamrobekov
- 10 Ruslanbek Jiyanov
- 19 Azizjon Ganiev
- 23 Sherzod Esanov
- 20 Azizbek Amanov
- 21 Igor Sergeev
- 12 Camilo Vargas Goalkeeper
- 2 Daniel Muñoz Defender
- 23 Davinson Sánchez Defender
- 3 Jhon Lucumí Defender
- 17 Johan Mojica Defender
- 14 Gustavo Puerta Midfielder
- 16 Jefferson Lerma Midfielder
- 11 Jhon Arias Midfielder
- 10 James Rodríguez Forward
- 25 Luis Javier Suárez Forward
- 7 Luis Díaz Forward
- 24 Álvaro Montero
- 1 David Ospina
- 22 Deiver Machado
- 4 Santiago Arias
- 18 Willer Ditta
- 13 Yerry Mina
- 5 Kevin Castaño
- 6 Richard Ríos
- 8 Jorge Carrascal
- 15 Juan Portilla
- 20 Juan Fernando Quintero
- 21 Jaminton Campaz
- 26 Andrés Gómez
- 9 Jhon Córdoba
- 19 Cucho Hernández
- Tirs cadres : Uzbekistan 2 / Colombia 3
- Tirs : Uzbekistan 6 / Colombia 14
- Possession : Uzbekistan 37% / Colombia 63%
- Corners : Uzbekistan 3 / Colombia 4
- Fautes : Uzbekistan 14 / Colombia 10
- Cartons jaunes : Uzbekistan 1 / Colombia 1
- Passes : Uzbekistan 287 / Colombia 511
- Precision des passes : Uzbekistan 76% / Colombia 86%
- xG : Uzbekistan 1.14 / Colombia 1.43
- Luis Díaz (Colombia) : note 8.3, 1 but(s), 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
- Daniel Muñoz (Colombia) : note 7.5, 1 but(s)
- Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Uzbekistan) : note 7.2, 1 but(s)
- Gustavo Puerta (Colombia) : note 6.3, 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
- Camilo Vargas (Colombia) : note 6.2, 2 arret(s)
- Abdulla Abdullaev (Uzbekistan) : note 7
- Otabek Shukurov (Uzbekistan) : note 6.9
- Jefferson Lerma (Colombia) : note 6.9
No confirmed absence yet.
No reliable head-to-head available yet.
- 6'But - C. Ronaldo (passe J. Cancelo)
- 14'Carton jaune - O. Khamrobekov
- 17'But - N. Mendes
- 29'VAR - A. Ganiev
- 39'But - C. Ronaldo (passe B. Fernandes)
- 46'Remplacement - J. Cancelo (remplace N. Semedo)
- 46'Remplacement - P. Neto (remplace F. Conceicao)
- 46'Remplacement - S. Nasrullaev (remplace K. Alizhonov)
- 46'Remplacement - O. Khamrobekov (remplace A. Mozgovoy)
- 60'But - A. Nematov
- 64'Remplacement - Joao Felix (remplace Trincao)
- 68'Carton jaune - R. Veiga
- 73'Remplacement - A. Fayzullaev (remplace I. Sergeev)
- 76'Remplacement - J. Neves (remplace B. Silva)
- 83'Remplacement - Vitinha (remplace R. Leao)
- 87'But - R. Leao
- 90+2'Remplacement - B. Karimov (remplace R. Jiyanov)
- 90+2'Remplacement - O. Shukurov (remplace S. Esanov)
- 1 Diogo Costa Goalkeeper
- 20 João Cancelo Defender
- 3 Rúben Dias Defender
- 13 Renato Veiga Defender
- 25 Nuno Mendes Defender
- 15 João Neves Midfielder
- 23 Vitinha Midfielder
- 18 Pedro Neto Midfielder
- 8 Bruno Fernandes Midfielder
- 11 João Félix Midfielder
- 7 Cristiano Ronaldo Forward
- 2 Nélson Semedo
- 26 Francisco Conceição
- 16 Francisco Trincão
- 12 José Sá
- 22 Rui Silva
- 4 Tomás Araújo
- 5 Diogo Dalot
- 14 Gonçalo Inácio
- 6 Matheus Nunes
- 24 Samú Costa
- 10 Bernardo Silva
- 21 Rúben Neves
- 19 Gonçalo Guedes
- 9 Gonçalo Ramos
- 17 Rafael Leão
- 12 Abduvokhid Nematov Goalkeeper
- 2 Abdukodir Khusanov Defender
- 18 Abdulla Abdullaev Defender
- 5 Rustam Ashurmatov Defender
- 24 Bekhruz Karimov Midfielder
- 9 Odiljon Khamrobekov Midfielder
- 7 Otabek Shukurov Midfielder
- 13 Sherzod Nasrullaev Midfielder
- 19 Azizjon Ganiev Forward
- 22 Abbosbek Fayzullaev Forward
- 14 Eldor Shomurodov Forward
- 3 Khozhiakbar Alizhonov
- 6 Akmal Mozgovoy
- 16 Botirali Ergashev
- 1 Utkir Yusupov
- 25 Avazbek Ulmasaliyev
- 4 Farrukh Sayfiev
- 26 Jakhongir Urozov
- 15 Umarbek Eshmuradov
- 20 Azizbek Amanov
- 8 Jamshid Iskandarov
- 17 Dostonbek Khamdamov
- 11 Oston Urunov
- 10 Ruslanbek Jiyanov
- 23 Sherzod Esanov
- 21 Igor Sergeev
- Tirs cadres : Portugal 6 / Uzbekistan 2
- Tirs : Portugal 13 / Uzbekistan 6
- Possession : Portugal 66% / Uzbekistan 34%
- Corners : Portugal 2 / Uzbekistan 2
- Fautes : Portugal 11 / Uzbekistan 11
- Cartons jaunes : Portugal 1 / Uzbekistan 1
- Passes : Portugal 460 / Uzbekistan 244
- Precision des passes : Portugal 89% / Uzbekistan 80%
- xG : Portugal 1.99 / Uzbekistan 0.21
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) : note 8.3, 2 but(s)
- Nuno Mendes (Portugal) : note 7.9, 1 but(s)
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) : note 8, 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
- João Cancelo (Portugal) : note 7.2, 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
- Diogo Costa (Portugal) : note 6.7, 2 arret(s)
- Rúben Dias (Portugal) : note 7.5
- Vitinha (Portugal) : note 7.5
- Renato Veiga (Portugal) : note 7.2, 1 carton(s) jaune(s)
No confirmed absence yet.
No reliable head-to-head available yet.
Le fil du match s affichera au coup d envoi.
- 12 Camilo Vargas Goalkeeper
- 2 Daniel Muñoz Defender
- 23 Davinson Sánchez Defender
- 3 Jhon Lucumí Defender
- 17 Johan Mojica Defender
- 16 Jefferson Lerma Midfielder
- 14 Gustavo Puerta Midfielder
- 11 Jhon Arias Midfielder
- 10 James Rodríguez Forward
- 7 Luis Díaz Forward
- 25 Luis Javier Suárez Forward
- 24 Álvaro Montero
- 1 David Ospina
- 13 Yerry Mina
- 18 Willer Ditta
- 22 Deiver Machado
- 4 Santiago Arias
- 21 Jaminton Campaz
- 6 Richard Ríos
- 8 Jorge Carrascal
- 26 Andrés Gómez
- 15 Juan Portilla
- 20 Juan Fernando Quintero
- 5 Kevin Castaño
- 19 Cucho Hernández
- 9 Jhon Córdoba
- 1 Lionel Mpasi Nzau Goalkeeper
- 2 Aaron Wan-Bissaka Defender
- 22 Chancel Mbemba Defender
- 4 Axel Tuanzebe Defender
- 3 Steve Kapuadi Defender
- 26 Arthur Masuaku Defender
- 6 Ngal'ayel Mukau Midfielder
- 8 Samuel Moutoussamy Midfielder
- 25 Edo Kayembe Midfielder
- 17 Cédric Bakambu Forward
- 20 Yoane Wissa Forward
- 21 Matthieu Epolo
- 16 Timothy Fayulu
- 24 Gedeon Kalulu
- 12 Joris Kayembe
- 5 Dylan Batubinsika
- 15 Aaron Tshibola
- 11 Gaël Kakuta
- 18 Charles Pickel
- 9 Brian Cipenga
- 14 Noah Sadiki
- 7 Nathanaël Mbuku
- 23 Simon Banza
- 13 Meschak Elia
- 19 Fiston Mayele
Aucune statistique collective n est encore disponible dans les donnees du match.
Key players will be highlighted during the match.
No confirmed absence yet.
No reliable head-to-head available yet.
Le fil du match s affichera au coup d envoi.
Line-ups will be published before kickoff.
Aucune statistique collective n est encore disponible dans les donnees du match.
Key players will be highlighted during the match.
No confirmed absence yet.
No reliable head-to-head available yet.
Le fil du match s affichera au coup d envoi.
Line-ups will be published before kickoff.
Aucune statistique collective n est encore disponible dans les donnees du match.
Key players will be highlighted during the match.
No confirmed absence yet.
No reliable head-to-head available yet.
| Team | J | G | N | P | BP | BC | Diff | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Colombia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| DR Congo | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Uzbekistan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 0 |
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