2026 World Cup - DR Congo: 5-3-2 or 4-3-3, which system against Colombia?

The 5-3-2, a guarantee of security

To challenge the Seleçao and all of its stars, especially offensively with the eternal Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack, Sébastien Desabre went for a 5-3-2 with five defenders, including three center-backs, notably Chancel Mbemba, Steve Kapuadi, and Axel Tuanzebe. This made it possible to strengthen the center and neutralize Cristiano Ronaldo, who only took two shots on goal in 90 minutes.

Based on complementarity and solidarity, this system also provides assurance in coverage, especially with full-backs like Arthur Masuaku and Aron Wan-Bissaka, who add a lot when going above and beyond their usual roles, acting as wing-backs to create numerical superiority in midfield—switching to a 3-5-2—or even as wingers in attacking phases to use their crossing ability for the team's benefit.

Read also : World Cup 2026: Les Léopards in search of a first victory

In fact, the first player to provide an assist for Yoane Wissa's goal had Kapuadi covering the space he left behind him. It’s an evolving position with coordinated positional play that brings the strikers a little closer to goal.

However, this tactical approach is defensive and very energy-intensive since Les Léopards spend most of their time as the hunter and not the hunted. Nevertheless, it remains the safest option for DR Congo against Colombia tonight to avoid being exposed to the Colombians' waves of attacks, who, like Portugal, also have four fantastic forwards led by Luis Diaz.

The 4-3-3 to exploit the defensive weaknesses of the Cafeteros

By holding Portugal to a draw, DR Congo pulled off a big surprise where no one expected it. This result, which is in fact the country's first ever point in a World Cup finals, has boosted the confidence of Les Léopards, and Sébastien Desabre can build on this by going for a 4-3-3 to be even more dangerous offensively.

And against Colombia, who have kept only one clean sheet in their last five matches (2-0 against Jordan), there is an opportunity for Les Léopards if they show more ambition. With four attacking players—Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez, James Rodriguez, and Jhon Arias—Colombia is often unbalanced when out of possession. And Sébastien Desabre has players capable of exploiting these weaknesses.

In this respect, starting Noah Sadiki alongside Samuel Moutoussamy and Ngal’ayel Mukau or Edo Kayembe in midfield is a must. The Sunderland player has an exceptional ability to get forward and either create or find chances for his teammates. In attack, Meschack Elia's technical skills in one-on-one situations and his speed will also be essential to restore balance and support Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakmabu, even if the latter was disappointing against Portugal.

For DR Congo, the plan is clear: stick with the 5-3-2 to play cautiously, or switch to a 4-3-3 to be more impactful offensively. Sébastien Desabre has the players to support both systems, and that's a real advantage for Les Léopards.