The second round of group fixtures at the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws to a close with a compelling Group K clash between Colombia and DR Congo at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico, kicking off at 8pm local time — 3am for UK viewers.

Both sides still have everything to play for, with a place in the knockout rounds very much within reach for either team.

DR Congo's encouraging start

DR Congo arrived at this tournament carrying the weight of history — they last competed in the World Cup as Zaire back in 1974 — and immediately signalled their intent against Portugal. Yoan Wissa, of Newcastle United, scored deep into first-half stoppage time to cancel out Joao Neves' early opener, earning the Congolese a hard-fought and thoroughly deserved point against Cristiano Ronaldo's side.

Wissa's strike was more than just a goal — it was the first World Cup goal in DR Congo's history, a landmark moment for a football nation that has long punched below its weight on the global stage.

Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi also impressed, remarkably untested after Portugal's opening salvo, and the team's defensive discipline against one of Europe's strongest sides was a warning to anyone who might underestimate them.

Colombia in fine form

Colombia, under manager Néstor Lorenzo, turned on the style in their opener, sweeping aside Uzbekistan 3-1 with goals from Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz, and Jaminton Campaz. It was a performance built on energy, structure, and clinical finishing.

Diaz, now operating at Bayern Munich, arrives at this tournament in career-defining form — 26 goals and 19 assists in an outstanding domestic campaign. He will be the player DR Congo will be most eager to contain.

Portugal's 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan earlier in the day means Colombia can seal their passage to the knockout stage with a win here. Lorenzo's men are the clear favourites, and rightly so.

Prediction

DR Congo proved against Portugal that they will not be a pushover. Colombia, however, carry too much quality across the pitch to be denied. Expect a competitive contest — but expect Colombia to find a way through.

Score prediction: Colombia 2-1 DR Congo