Colombia will face DR Congo on Tuesday in Guadalajara after winning the opening match of the group stage against Uzbekistan, while the African side were one of the surprises as they stopped Portugal and drew 1-1 last week. This is a big chance for Colombia as they can clinch a spot for the round of 32 in advance of meeting Cristiano Ronaldo's team in the last matchday of the group phase, hoping to end up as winners of the group. For the first time at the World Cup, DR Congo super fan Michel Mboladinga will be in the standings. He's a supporter who remains standing, statue-still throughout the match, for a very specific and meaningful reason.
What's the story behind the fan?
It all started in 1961: Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of what was known as the First Congolese Republic, was assassinated on Jan. 17 of that year during the Congo Crisis after Congo's independence from Belgium. Lumumba was executed by officials and soldiers of the breakaway state of Katanga after being transferred there from central Congo. Belgian officers and officials were directly involved in the events that led to his death. Four years later, in 1965, Mobutu Sese Seko seized power in a coup and established a long-running authoritarian regime. In 1971, he renamed the country Zaire, a name it would retain until his overthrow in 1997. Mboladinga's gesture, maintaining a statue-like pose throughout entire matches, is a tribute to Lumumba and his dedication to the country; it mimics a post of a famous statue of Lumumba.
World Cup 2026: Why DR Congo superfan Michel Mboladinga dresses as a Lumumba statue for 90 minutes Francesco Porzio
Here's what you need to know ahead of the match:
How to watch Colombia vs. DR Congo
Date: Tuesday, June 23 | Time: 10 p.m. ET Location: Guadalajara Stadium -- Guadalajara, Mexico TV: FOX (Eng), Telemundo (Spa) | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free) Odds: Colombia -187; Draw +295; DR Congo +544
Colombia vs. DR Congo predicted starting lineups
Colombia: Camilo Vargas; Johan Mojica, Jhon Lucumi, Davinson Sanchez, Daniel Munoz; Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Puerta; Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias; Luis Suarez.
DR Congo: Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzabe, Chancel Mbemba, Steve Kapuadi, Arthur Masuaku, Ngal Mukau, Samuel Moutossamy, Noah Sadiki, Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa.
Keep up with the World Cup standings here!
Colombia vs. DR Congo pick, prediction
Colombia were one of the most convincing sides in the opening round of the group stage and Luis Diaz stood up as one of the best talents so far at the World Cup. This is their chance to clinch the spot at the knockouts before facing Portugal in the last matchday of the first phase. Pick: Colombia 3, DR Congo 0.
Check out our World Cup expert predictions.
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