Colombia vs DR Congo

The second round of Group K throws together two sides who have traded ambitions rather than blows — Colombia and DR Congo have no competitive history, and only one friendly meeting, a 2019 contest settled by a late Duván Zapata header. That absence of precedent means both managers must rely on intuition rather than video archives. Colombia will likely adjust their approach from the opener, potentially resting James Rodríguez if they secured three points against Uzbekistan, while Lorenzo's willingness to rotate could see Jhon Durán's physicality introduced to stretch a Congolese defence that excels against smaller, quicker forwards but has historically struggled against powerful centre-forwards.

For DR Congo, this match may define their tournament. Lose and elimination looms; win and a path to the round of sixteen opens wide. Mbemba's battle with whoever leads Colombia's line will shape the contest, but the real mismatch could be in midfield, where Wilfred Ndidi — if fit — provides the kind of ballast Congo simply cannot match. Still, Katanec's Congo are nothing if not resilient, having kept clean sheets in four of their six final-round qualifiers, and Wissa's ability to carry the ball forty yards in transition gives them a threat Colombia's high line cannot ignore.

The South Americans dominate possession, probably, but set pieces and moments of chaos could tilt this either way.