Colombia Secure Last-32 Ticket with Hard-Fought Victory Over Determined Congolese Side
By A1NEWS International Sports Desk
GUADALAJARA, MEXICO — June 24, 2026
Colombia booked their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory over a resilient Democratic Republic of Congo side in a tense Group K encounter at the Guadalajara Stadium on Tuesday.
The South Americans, backed by a passionate sea of yellow-clad supporters, struggled to break down a disciplined Congolese defence before defender Daniel Muñoz struck the decisive goal in the 76th minute to hand Colombia a vital victory and confirm their progression to the Round of 32.
While Colombia celebrated qualification, DR Congo’s World Cup dream remains alive, albeit hanging by a thread, as the African representatives seek to advance beyond the group stage in their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the nation competed under the name Zaire.
Muñoz Delivers Breakthrough After Congo Resistance
For much of the contest, Colombia dominated possession and dictated the tempo but found themselves frustrated by an inspired performance from Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
The Colombians started brightly, with Muñoz missing an early opportunity before seeing another effort ruled out for offside. Veteran playmaker James Rodríguez also tested Mpasi with a powerful strike that forced an impressive save.
As Colombia increased the pressure, Mpasi continued to stand firm, denying Johan Mojica and Liverpool winger Luis Díaz with a series of remarkable saves that kept DR Congo level despite sustained attacks.
The Central African side weathered the storm and gradually grew into the match, creating occasional opportunities on the counterattack while maintaining defensive discipline.
Goalkeeper Heroics Keep Congo in Contest
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Colombia controlling proceedings but struggling to find a way past the Congolese shot-stopper.
Mpasi produced arguably the save of the match shortly after halftime when he stretched out a leg to deny Díaz from close range, preserving the deadlock and frustrating Colombian supporters.
However, after nearly 75 minutes of resistance, DR Congo’s defence was finally breached.
Crystal Palace defender Daniel Muñoz redeemed his earlier missed opportunities when his effort took a decisive deflection, wrong-footing Mpasi and finding the back of the net.
The breakthrough sparked celebrations among Colombian fans and provided the goal that ultimately separated the two sides.
DR Congo Fight Until Final Whistle
Despite falling behind, DR Congo refused to surrender.
The Leopards launched a late offensive in search of an equaliser that could have dramatically altered the group’s complexion.
Their best opportunity arrived deep into stoppage time when Nathanael Mbuku unleashed a fierce strike that forced Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas into a crucial save.
Vargas reacted sharply to push the effort behind, preserving Colombia’s lead and securing three valuable points.
Group K Takes Shape
The victory moves Colombia to the summit of Group K with six points from two matches, placing them in a commanding position heading into their final group fixture.
Earlier in the day, Portugal produced a dominant display to crush Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston, with Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice.
Portugal now sit second in the group and will face Colombia in a highly anticipated clash in Miami on Saturday to determine the final group standings.
Meanwhile, DR Congo will meet Uzbekistan in Atlanta in a must-win encounter as they attempt to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Historic Opportunity Still Within Reach
Although defeat leaves DR Congo facing an uphill battle, qualification remains mathematically possible.
The African nation has earned praise for its competitive performances against two football heavyweights and remains capable of advancing depending on results in the final round of group matches.
For a country making its first World Cup appearance in more than five decades, reaching the knockout stage would represent one of the greatest achievements in Congolese football history.
Colombia’s persistence ultimately proved decisive as Daniel Muñoz’s second-half strike secured a hard-earned victory and confirmed their place in the World Cup knockout rounds.
For DR Congo, the defeat was a painful setback but not the end of the journey. With one group match remaining, the Leopards still have an opportunity to write history and become one of Africa’s surprise packages at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As Group K heads into its final round of fixtures, both nations remain focused on their respective objectives—Colombia seeking top spot and DR Congo chasing an unlikely but still attainable passage to the Round of 32.
![DR Congo players celebrate qualifying for World Cup 2026 [Eloisa Sanchez/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SOCCER-WORLDCUP-COD-JAM.webp)
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