World Cup 2026: Colombia Outshine 1-0 Over Congo DR

Colombia defeated Congo DR 1-0 at the Estadio Guadalajara to top Group K and confirm their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Daniel Munoz scored the only goal of the encounter in the 76th minute, settling a tight contest that Congo DR’s goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, had threatened to single-handedly deny Colombia.

The Crystal Palace defender’s deflected effort beat Mpasi after the goalkeeper had produced a string of fine saves throughout the match, including five stops within the opening 20 minutes alone.

Colombia dominated possession and chances from the start, registering 20 efforts on goal across the 90 minutes. The South Americans’ expected goals tally stood at 1.03 against Congo DR’s 0.39, a clear reflection of their territorial control.

Mpasi stood firm for long spells and kept his side in contention until Munoz’s late intervention broke the deadlock. The goalkeeper’s display drew praise from pundits, who described his performance as one of the most impressive by a goalkeeper at this year’s tournament.

Coach Nestor Lorenzo turned to his bench once again to influence the outcome. Substitute Juan Quintero, who replaced Juan Fernando Rodriguez, slowed the tempo of play and supplied the assist for Munoz’s winner. It marked the second straight match in which Lorenzo’s changes shaped the result for Colombia.

Congo DR pushed for an equaliser and appeared to have one in the 81st minute when Munoz turned the ball home from close range, but the offside flag ruled out the effort before it could trouble the scoreline further.

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Jefferson Lerma picked up a late yellow card for a challenge on Cedric Mbuku as Congo DR searched for a way back into the contest, while six minutes of stoppage time at the end of regulation play failed to produce a leveller for the central African side.

The result lifts Colombia to the summit of Group K and books their spot in the knockout stage regardless of their final group game. They will face Portugal on June 27 at Miami Stadium in a fixture that will decide the group’s overall standing.

Congo DR, despite the defeat, remain in contention to advance from the group. A win over Uzbekistan on the same day at Atlanta Stadium would secure their own place in the Round of 32 alongside Colombia.

Should Congo DR progress, they could face Thomas Tuchel’s England in the next round, depending on how both groups finish. England held Ghana to a goalless draw on Tuesday in a separate Group K fixture.

Colombia’s victory continues an unbeaten run at the tournament that began with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in their opening fixture. The Cafeteros have now shown the consistency many Nigerian football followers will be watching closely as the World Cup heads into its decisive group-stage matches.

For Congo DR, Tuesday’s defeat is a setback, but their fate remains in their own hands. A positive result against Uzbekistan will write a new chapter in the country’s World Cup story and extend their stay in the United States, Mexico, and Canada-hosted tournament.

Attention now turns to the final round of Group K matches on June 27, where both Colombia’s standing and Congo DR’s survival will be decided.