Daniel Munoz’s second-half goal broke Lionel Mpasi’s resistance as Colombia made it two wins from two in Group K to progress.
Colombia 1-0 DR Congo
Colombia goal: Munoz (76)
Colombia clinched their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32 after grinding out a win over DR Congo at Guadalajara Stadium.
DR Congo’s Edo Kayembe tested the waters with a long-range effort that sailed wide, but the rest of an electric first half largely belonged to Colombia.
Lionel Mpasi denied Jhon Arias, with Daniel Munoz sending the follow-up into the side netting. Munoz then saw a header saved before bundling in the rebound, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Colombia continued to press as Mpasi saved from James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz and Gustavo Puerta. DR Congo finally threatened late in the half, but Arthur Masuaku’s raking cross narrowly evaded the head of Yoane Wissa, who was inches away from adding to his equalising goal against Portugal on Matchday 1.
Mpasi was at it again after the restart, making himself big to thwart Diaz at close quarters. The rebound fell to Arias, but his shot through a crowded penalty area went wide.
Colombia’s frustrations were beginning to show when Munoz broke Mpasi’s stubborn resistance, scoring with a deflected strike after intelligent hold-up play from substitute Jhon Cordoba.
Diaz had two goals chalked off for offside as Colombia withstood a late wave of DR Congo pressure to seal a top-two spot in Group K ahead of their meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
DR Congo, meanwhile, could still advance if they beat Uzbekistan and results elsewhere go their way.
Key stat
Daniel Munoz has scored in successive World Cup 2026 games.
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Daniel Munoz (Colombia)