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DR Congo Sets Defensive Strategy for Colombia Clash

DR Congo aims to frustrate Colombia with a compact 5-3-2 formation following their impressive draw against Portugal.

News Published 23 June 2026 2 min read Evan Mitchell
DR Congo national football team players in training
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DR Congo is set to face Colombia at Guadalajara Stadium, aiming to build on their strong performance in their opening match. The Leopards secured a significant upset by holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw and are carrying that belief into their next fixture.

Their path to the tournament included a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental playoffs. While pre-tournament friendly results were mixed, including a goalless draw with Denmark and a 2-1 defeat to Chile, DR Congo’s defensive organization remains a key strength.

Team Preparedness

Coach Sebastien Desabre has confirmed that DR Congo has a fully fit squad available for the match against Colombia, with no reported injury concerns. This allows the team to field their strongest available lineup as they look to continue their impressive tournament run.

Defensive Formation Expected

Following their solid defensive display against Portugal, DR Congo is expected to adopt a tactical 5-3-2 formation. This setup is designed to frustrate their opponents, stay compact, and absorb pressure. The strategy will focus on limiting Colombia’s attacking opportunities and capitalizing on quick counter-attacks when they arise.

Key Players and Roles

Cedric Bakambu is anticipated to lead the attack, partnered by Yoane Wissa, who scored the crucial equalizer in their last outing and is currently in good form. On the wings, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku will operate as wing-backs, expected to contribute to both defensive duties and offensive transitions. Captain Chancel Mbemba will be instrumental in marshalling the defense and organizing the backline. In midfield, Samuel Moutoussamy is tasked with disrupting Colombia’s rhythm and breaking up plays.

Match Details

The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 a.m. BST on Wednesday, June 24. For viewers in the UK, the fixture will be broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1 and STV.

Key facts
| Aspect | Detail |
|—|—|
| Match | DR Congo vs. Colombia |
| Venue | Guadalajara Stadium |
| Date | June 24, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time (BST) | 3:00 AM |
| DR Congo’s Expected Formation | 5-3-2 |

This encounter is significant for DR Congo as they look to prove their mettle against another strong opponent on the global stage. Their defensive resilience and opportunistic attack could pose a serious challenge for Colombia, making for an intriguing tactical battle.

Source: Yahoo Sports – https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dr-congo-predicted-lineup-team-051500528.html

Datos clave

Punto Detalle
Fuente Yahoo Sports
Fecha 2026-06-23T05:15:00+00:00
Tema DR Congo predicted lineup and team news vs Colombia

Source

Yahoo Sports Original publication: 2026-06-23T05:15:00+00:00