Colombia versus DR Congo
- Kick-off:
- Stadium: Estadio Akron · Guadalajara, Mexico
Colombia
Colombia arrive at their seventh tournament — first in two cycles after missing 2022 — and as 2024 Copa América runners-up, the nearest miss in their continental history. Néstor Lorenzo, the Argentine coach who took over in 2022, runs a 4-2-3-1 with elite fluidity. James Rodríguez (León) was reborn at the Copa América as the team's creative engine; Luis Díaz (Liverpool) is the wing star; Jhon Durán (Aston Villa) and Rafael Santos Borré provide goalmouth threat; Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Lucumí (Bologna) lead the back. Colombia went 28 matches unbeaten before the 2024 Copa América final loss to Argentina — a streak signalling genuine elite status. Group K with Portugal, DR Congo and Uzbekistan is winnable for second; the quarter-final is the realistic target with semi-final upside.
DR Congo
DR Congo return after a 52-year absence, having last appeared in 1974 as Zaire under Mobutu. Sébastien Desabre, the French coach who took over in 2022, has built around the European-based core: Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis) leads the line, Yoane Wissa (Newcastle) and Silas Katompa (Stuttgart) provide pace, Chancel Mbemba (anchor of the back), and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. The Leopards reached the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, signalling that this generation is no longer just a footnote. Group K with Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia is challenging — second place would require beating either Uzbekistan and at minimum drawing with Colombia. The country has waited two generations for this moment; advancing past the group stage for the first time in their history is the legacy-defining target.
Estadio Akron
Estadio Akron hosts four group-stage matches in 2026 — its first major-tournament hosting role. Located in Zapopan, in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, the venue opened in 2010 as the home of CD Guadalajara (Chivas), one of Mexican football's most storied clubs. Capacity is approximately 49,800 — the smallest in the tournament. The pitch is natural grass. Climate: Guadalajara sits at 1,560 metres altitude with mild summer temperatures (22-28°C) and noticeable evening cooling — a more temperate environment than Monterrey or Mexico City. Daily afternoon thunderstorm risk is real during the rainy season. Guadalajara is the heart of mariachi, tequila, and traditional Mexican identity, giving Akron the most culturally distinctive setting of the three Mexican host venues.