Colombia officially secured their spot in the Round of 32 of FIFA World Cup 2026 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Group K. Daniel Muñoz scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute at Guadalajara Stadium, sending the South Americans to six points.
Daniel Munoz scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute as Colombia secured an important World Cup victory on Tuesday.
The defender found the net from the right side of the penalty area, finally beating goalkeeper Dimitry Mpasi, who had produced a series of impressive saves to keep his team in the match.
Colombia dominated possession throughout the game and created several scoring opportunities after beginning their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.
Veteran playmaker James Rodríguez, making his 10th World Cup appearance, equaled the Colombian record jointly held by Freddy Rincón and Carlos Valderrama. He tested goalkeeper Mpasi early in the match with a powerful effort in the 11th minute, but the goalkeeper responded with another fine save.
Despite Colombia’s constant pressure, it took until the final stages for Munoz to break the deadlock and secure the victory.
The goalkeeper stood firm, repelling efforts from Jhon Arias and winger Luis Diaz, who came close to breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute, controlling a chipped pass inside the penalty area, turning smartly, and firing a shot goal-wards, only for Mpasi to save it with his foot.
DR Congo created a few chances through Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa but struggled to find a finishing touch. Colombia dominated the first half, registering 15 shots, including six on target.
The African side received support from famous fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as the “living statue,” who attended his first World Cup match after missing the opener due to Ebola quarantine rules.
After the break, Colombia continued to attack, with Luis Diaz forcing another save from goalkeeper Dimitry Mpasi before Jhon Arias missed the rebound.
Wissa almost snatched the lead for DR Congo in the 73rd minute, when his shot from Simon Banza’s assist was blocked, but Colombia struck shortly after through Munoz.
Luis Diaz thought he had doubled Colombia’s lead with a superb finish into the top corner, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The 1-0 victory moved Colombia to six points from two matches, securing their place in the World Cup knockout stage ahead of their final Group K clash against Portugal, who defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier on Tuesday.
DR Congo remain on one point and must get a positive result against Uzbekistan in their final group match to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
