Mexico to Host Historic Colombia vs. DR Congo World Cup Clash in 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a historic meeting between Colombia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) when they face off at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Tuesday, June 23. This will be the first-ever World Cup encounter between the two nations, according to FIFA’s official tournament schedule.
Why This Match Matters
DR Congo’s participation marks their return to the World Cup after a 52-year absence, with their last appearance in 1974. Colombia, meanwhile, will compete in their third consecutive World Cup, following a ninth-place finish in 2018 and a fifth-place run in 2014. The match highlights the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, a format change that has increased global representation, according to FIFA.
How to Watch the Colombia vs. DR Congo Match
In the United States, the game will air on FS1, with live streaming available via fubo, the Fox Sports app, and Fox One. New subscribers can access a free trial on fubo to view the match. For Spanish-language coverage, Telemundo and Universo will broadcast the game, available on Peacock and DIRECTV, as reported by Fox Sports.
Match Timing and Schedule Context
The kickoff is set for 8 p.m. local time in Guadalajara, translating to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, 9 p.m. Central Time, 8 p.m. Mountain Time, and 7 p.m. Pacific Time. The match is part of a busy World Cup week, with other notable games including Portugal vs. Uzbekistan and England vs. Ghana on the same day, according to the official FIFA schedule.
2026 World Cup Overview
The 2026 tournament will be the first to be hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will feature 104 matches across 16 cities, including MetLife Stadium in New York-New Jersey for the final on July 19, 2026. The expanded format includes 48 teams, a significant increase from the 32-team structure used in previous editions, as confirmed by FIFA.
Key 2026 World Cup Details
Host cities in the U.S. include Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York, while Canada and Mexico will host in Toronto, Vancouver, and Guadalajara, among others. The U.S. automatically qualified as a host nation, alongside Canada and Mexico, ensuring their participation in the tournament, according to FIFA’s official website.
Streaming and Broadcast Options
Americans without cable can stream the tournament via fubo for English-language matches or Peacock for Spanish-language coverage. The expanded broadcast rights reflect the growing global interest in the World Cup, with multiple platforms offering access to all 104 games, as outlined by FIFA and its partners.