Colombia Secures Knockout Spot With 1-0 Win Over DR Congo At World Cup 2026

Colombia move into the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup after a 1-0 victory over DR Congo at Estadio Guadalajara, secured by another decisive strike from Daniel Munoz. Nestor Lorenzo’s team dominated for long spells yet needed patience, finally turning pressure and shot volume into qualification from Group K.

Across a tense match, Colombia produced 20 attempts worth 1.03 expected goals, while DR Congo managed eight shots valued at 0.39 xG. Colombia’s attack kept building momentum but met stubborn resistance from Lionel Mpasi, and the contest stayed level until Munoz’s 76th-minute effort found the bottom-left corner via a key deflection.

Colombia started on the front foot and almost struck early when Jhon Arias forced a parry from Mpasi, with Munoz hitting the outside of the post from the rebound. Munoz then thought the breakthrough came in the sixth minute, finishing from close range, but the Crystal Palace right-back was offside from Johan Mojica’s initial cross.

Mpasi’s display kept DR Congo in contention during an intense first half. The goalkeeper denied Luis Diaz after a smart attacking move, then pushed away powerful long-range drives from James Rodriguez and Gustavo Puerta. Colombia’s pressure stayed constant, yet DR Congo survived repeated spells inside their own box before the interval.

The second half opened with another major Colombia chance. Five minutes after the restart, Mpasi blocked Diaz’s low shot with a strong left leg, only for Arias to fire the rebound off target with the goal open. That miss increased tension, as DR Congo stayed organised and threatened sporadically on the counterattack.

The decisive move finally arrived in the 76th minute. Jhon Cordoba cleverly stepped over Juan Fernando Quintero’s pass, allowing Munoz to receive space inside the area. Munoz’s strike then clipped Steve Kapuadi and wrong-footed Mpasi, nestling inside the bottom-left corner and rewarding Colombia’s persistent attacking approach.

Late incidents ensured a nervous finish for both sets of supporters. Diaz twice had celebrations cut short, first when a foul was spotted in the build-up, then after an offside call. DR Congo almost equalised in the 91st minute, but Camilo Vargas stretched fully to tip Nathanael Mbuku’s long-range drive around the post.

Munoz’s influence at this tournament continues to grow. The attacking full-back opened Colombia’s campaign with the first goal in a 3-1 success against Uzbekistan, then delivered again versus DR Congo. Munoz is now the fourth Colombia player to score in consecutive World Cup appearances, and the first since defender Yerry Mina achieved the feat in 2018.

Mpasi’s statistics underline how demanding Colombia found the contest. The DR Congo goalkeeper made eight saves overall, including five within the opening 20 minutes. That figure made Mpasi the first player to register five saves in the first 20 minutes of a World Cup match since Jamaica’s Warren Barrett achieved that mark against Argentina in 1998.

Several Colombia attackers posted standout numbers despite Munoz taking the decisive chance. Diaz and Puerta both attempted five shots, the highest tally in the match. James created five chances, becoming the first Colombia player to reach that mark in a World Cup fixture since Carlos Valderrama managed the same against England in 1998.

{TABLE_1}

Colombia’s qualification scenario now looks clear. A draw against Portugal in the final Group K fixture will secure first place. DR Congo, meanwhile, face a more delicate position and will likely require victory in their last group match to advance as one of the best third-placed teams at the 2026 World Cup.

Colombia emerge from Estadio Guadalajara with progression sealed, built on territorial control and repeated pressure. DR Congo leave frustrated but competitive after Mpasi’s performance and Mbuku’s late attempt. With knockout football assured, Colombia now turn focus to Portugal, knowing Munoz, Diaz, James and others are already shaping this World Cup campaign.