Expectations are rising for Colombia in the World Cup odds, and they can take a firmer grip on Group K in Tuesday’s clash with Congo, one of the pleasant surprises from the opening round of fixtures.
The Leopards’ gritty 1-1 draw with Portugal last week grabbed the headlines, but my Colombia vs. Congo predictions back Luis Diaz & Co. to build on a strong finish against Uzbekistan, and have Los Cafeteros humming in Guadalajara.
Get the lowdown on this June 23 battle with my free World Cup picks and betting tips.
Who will win Colombia vs Congo: Colombia -1.5 (+166)
Congo’s first-ever World Cup point was a meaningful milestone for Sebastien Desabre’s men, but I see the Leopards crashing back to earth on Tuesday against a relentless Colombia squad.
While Portugal’s slow build-up play allowed Congo to stay in its 5-3-2 shell, Colombia’s more direct style will present different challenges. Los Cafeteros have won eight of their last 11 contests – and seven of those victories have come by a margin of 2+ goals.
Rigid organization will only take Congo so far at Estadio Akron. They had just 25% of the possession in their opening Group K outing, and that spells trouble against a hungry Colombia attack that dealt with a similar defense-first approach against Uzbekistan.
Nestor Lorenzo had the luxury of calling on creators Cucho Hernandez and Jaminton Campaz off the bench that night, and impressive forward depth could tip the scales for the favorites again here.
These tasty plus odds jump off the screen, and I’d play this pick up to +130 as Colombia try to punch their ticket to the knockout rounds.
TOp pick
Colombia vs Congo Over/Under pick: Over 2.5 (+124)
Attack is Colombia’s best form of defense, and they’ve refreshingly stuck to that approach. The Over on 2.5 total goals has now been a winner in nine of their last 11 contests, and Congo’s defensive shape won’t be enough to stem the scoring here.
With eight goals across their last three games, Los Cafeteros look sharp at that end of the pitch, and competition for places in the front four is keeping the attacking standards high.
Though Congo deserve credit for holding Portugal to an xG of just 0.65 last week, that stat arguably says more about the struggles of a Portuguese squad still overusing Cristiano Ronaldo. Look for the Leopards’ center backs to be far more stretched against Colombia’s speed.
Meanwhile, chances may come at a premium for Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu, but the Congo strikers are capable of troubling the Colombia backline. Though midfield creativity remains a concern for the underdogs, they can threaten in transition, so it’s not as if Los Cafeteros will have to do all the heavy lifting to hit this Over.
Colombia vs Congo projected lineup
Colombia (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Lerma, Puerta; Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Suarez.
Congo (5-3-2): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, E. Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu.
Colombia vs Congo injuries
Colombia: None.
Congo: None.
Colombia vs Congo weather
It’s set to be partly cloudy in Guadalajara on Tuesday night, with temperatures in the low 70s and the possibility of showers during the contest.
Colombia vs Congo odds
 Colombia |
 Congo |
|
|---|---|---|
| -186 | Moneyline | +614 |
| +335 | Draw | +335 |
| Over 2.5 (+133) | Total | Under 2.5 (-138) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch Colombia vs Congo
Check out FIFA's official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico |
| Date | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 |
| Time | 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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