- Colombia vs DR Congo: Colombia have secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage after edging DR Congo 1-0.
- Munoz scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute at the Estadio Guadalajara on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
- Colombia will face Portugal in their final Group K match on Sunday, while DR Congo will take on Uzbekistan.
Colombia are through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after overcoming a spirited DR Congo side with a narrow 1-0 victory on Wednesday morning at the Estadio Guadalajara,as they went top of Group K.
Having already opened their campaign with a win over Panama, Colombia found themselves pushed to the limit before eventually securing all three points.
A deflected effort from Daniel Munoz in the 76th minute proved decisive, handing Los Cafeteros six points from two matches and guaranteeing their place in the Round of 32.
ALSO READ: Portugal vs DR Congo Lineups: Ronaldo captains Selecao in World Cup opener against the Leopards
DR Congo attempted to replicate the performance that earned them a 1-1 draw against tournament favourites Portugal in their opener, but the African side encountered a determined and well-supported Colombian outfit in Mexico.
“It was a difficult match for us. We played against a very good team. They were superior. First, we will recover. The next match will be here quickly. We’ll need to take risks. A draw will not be enough.
We need to analyze ourselves now and move forward. We’ll be prepared against Uzbekistan. They have some great defenders,” said DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre after the match.
The Leopards Edo Kayembe tested the waters with a long-range effort that drifted wide, but the remainder of an entertaining first half was largely dominated by Colombia.
Lionel Mpasi denied Jhon Arias before Munoz fired the rebound into the side netting. Munoz later had the ball in the back of the net after converting a rebound from his own saved header, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Colombia continued to dictate proceedings as Mpasi produced excellent saves to keep out James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz and Gustavo Puerta.
DR Congo nearly struck late in the first half when Arthur Masuaku’s dangerous cross narrowly evaded Yoane Wissa, who came within inches of adding to the goal he scored against Portugal on Matchday 1.
Mpasi remained busy after the restart, standing tall to deny Diaz from close range. The rebound fell kindly to Arias, but his effort through a crowded penalty area rolled wide of the target.
Colombia’s growing frustration finally ended when Munoz broke the deadlock, steering home a deflected strike after clever hold-up play from substitute Jhon Cordoba.
“We played with intensity and aggression, and we stayed true to our style. This achievement belongs to the entire team; we earned these three points together and for all the fans who came out to support us.
This victory gives us a morale boost. We don’t want to settle for this,” Colombia goalscorer Munoz said after the match.
Díaz had two goals disallowed for offside as Colombia weathered a late surge from DR Congo to secure a top-two finish in Group K ahead of their showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
DR Congo, meanwhile, can still progress if they defeat Uzbekistan and other results fall in their favour.
Colombia vs DR Congo – FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K Line-ups (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)
- Colombia starting XI: Camilo Vargas, Daniel Munoz, Jhon Lucumi, Davinson Sanchez, Johan Mojica, Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Puerta, Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez.
- DR Congo starting XI: Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Steve Kapuadi, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026