Colombia vs DR Congo: Daniel Muñoz Sends Colombia Into FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage

Colombia Edge DR Congo 1-0 to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Round

Colombia booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after defeating DR Congo 1-0 in a tense Group K encounter at Estadio Guadalajara. A late goal from defender Daniel Muñoz proved to be the difference in a match where Colombia dominated possession and chances but faced a resilient Congolese side.

The victory gives Colombia six points from their opening two matches of the tournament, following their earlier 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. With qualification now secured, the South American nation can approach its final group-stage match against Portugal with confidence.

First Half Dominated by Colombia

From the opening whistle, Colombia looked determined to control the game. Led by experienced stars such as James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz, the team created several promising opportunities during the first half.

Colombia’s attacking pressure resulted in multiple shots on goal, forcing DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi into a series of impressive saves. Despite Colombia’s dominance in possession and territory, DR Congo remained organized defensively and managed to keep the score level heading into halftime.

DR Congo also showed occasional flashes on the counterattack, with Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa attempting to exploit spaces behind Colombia’s defense. However, clear scoring opportunities remained limited for the African side.

Lionel Mpasi Keeps DR Congo Alive

One of the standout performers of the match was DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Throughout the contest, he repeatedly denied Colombia’s attackers, producing several crucial saves to frustrate the South Americans.

Mpasi’s heroics prevented Colombia from taking the lead on multiple occasions. Whether dealing with efforts from Díaz, Rodríguez, or Jhon Arias, the goalkeeper consistently delivered under pressure. His performance ensured DR Congo remained in contention deep into the second half.

Colombia appeared destined to score at several points during the match, but poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping kept the game deadlocked.

Daniel Muñoz Breaks the Deadlock

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute. After sustained Colombian pressure, Juan Quintero helped initiate a dangerous attacking move that eventually found Daniel Muñoz in space.

The Colombian defender reacted quickly and fired a shot that beat Mpasi to give Colombia a deserved 1-0 lead. The goal sparked celebrations among Colombian supporters and shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the South American side.

Muñoz’s strike was his second goal of the tournament and further highlighted his importance to Colombia’s World Cup campaign. The defender has become one of the surprise stars of the competition so far.

Colombia Hold Firm in Closing Stages

After taking the lead, Colombia continued searching for a second goal to put the game beyond doubt. Several additional opportunities came their way, but DR Congo refused to surrender.

The African side pushed forward during the final minutes, hoping to find a late equalizer. Substitute Nathanaël Mbuku helped create attacking momentum, while Colombia’s defense was forced to stay alert throughout stoppage time.

Despite the late pressure, Colombia remained composed and successfully protected their advantage until the final whistle.

What the Result Means for Group K

The victory has major implications for Group K. Colombia now sits at the top of the standings with six points and has officially qualified for the knockout stage. Portugal’s dominant 5-0 win over Uzbekistan earlier in the day also influenced the group picture.

Colombia will face Portugal in their final group match, with first place in Group K still up for grabs. A draw would likely be enough for Colombia to finish as group winners.

For DR Congo, qualification hopes remain alive but complicated. The team must produce a positive result against Uzbekistan in their final group-stage match and rely on other outcomes to go their way.