Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- Group K's second round pits South American powerhouse Colombia against African dark horses DR Congo. Despite being placed in Pot 4, Colombia brings quarterfinal pedigree from 2014, with James Rodríguez (34, CAM) wearing the iconic No. 10 jersey in his third World Cup. DR Congo returns after 52 years, bolstered by Premier League-experienced England-raised players like Wan-Bissaka (28, RB) and Tuanzebe (28, CB) who chose to represent their parents' homeland.
- The tactical battle features Colombia's 4-3-3 against DR Congo's 5-3-2, with midfield control proving crucial. Colombia builds through Lerma (31, CDM, Crystal Palace) anchoring from deep, while 2014 Golden Boot winner James orchestrates with his cultured left foot. DR Congo counters with Kayembe (28, CDM, Watford) and Moutoussamy (29, CM) shielding the defense, as 21-year-old Mukau (CM, Lille) provides forward thrust and energy.
- Colombia's front three boasts Bayern Munich's Luis Díaz (29, LW) attacking from the left flank. The winger won the Premier League and FA Cup with Liverpool in 2022 before joining Bayern in summer 2025, bringing 73 caps and 22 international goals. James operates from the right in a forward role despite being a natural CAM, while Luis Suárez (28, ST) - who journeyed through Granada and Marseille - leads the line with 5 goals in 12 caps.
- DR Congo's defensive wall features European-based talent, with Manchester United alumnus Tuanzebe anchoring at center-back. Fellow United graduate Wan-Bissaka, now at West Ham after FA Cup success, patrols right-back with tackle success rates among the Premier League's elite. Rennes' Masuaku (32, LB) covers the left, while captain Mbemba (31, CB, Lille) with his 109 caps partners the towering Kapuadi (28, CB, 196cm) in central defense.
- DR Congo's strike partnership combines Newcastle's Wissa (29, ST) with Real Betis veteran Bakambu (35, ST). Wissa netted 13 goals in 2024-25 for Brentford before his summer 2025 move to Newcastle, bringing 36 caps and 9 goals. Bakambu, with stints at Villarreal and Beijing Guoan among others, remains clinical in the box with 21 goals in 68 appearances - among the nation's all-time leading scorers.
- Colombia's bench depth includes former Arsenal and Napoli keeper Ospina (37, GK, 130 caps), Barcelona La Liga winner Mina (31, CB, 195cm), and River Plate playmaker Quintero (33, CAM). DR Congo responds with ex-Chelsea prospect Kakuta (35, CAM) and Young Boys multiple title winner Elia (28, RW, 68 caps, 12 goals) ready to impact from the bench as game-changing substitutes.
- With Portugal favored to top Group K, Colombia, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan battle for the second qualification spot. Depending on opening results, this second fixture could prove pivotal for knockout stage progression. Colombia brings recent pedigree with 2018 Round of 16 and 2014 quarterfinal runs, while DR Congo seeks a historic victory in their first World Cup since appearing as Zaire in 1974 - a 52-year wait.