FIFA World Cup: Munoz sends Colombia into knockouts with narrow win over DR Congo

Daniel Munoz's second-half goal finally broke DR Congo's resistance as Colombia secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Guadalajara on Tuesday to book a place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In Short

• Colombia secured a Round of 32 spot with six points from two matches
• DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made eight key saves to keep the game close
• Colombia face Portugal next in a crucial match for top spot in the group

Daniel Munoz spared Colombia's blushes with a second-half winner as the South Americans laboured to a 1-0 victory over DR Congo and secured their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 in Guadalajara on Tuesday.

After dominating possession and creating a string of chances, Colombia looked set for a frustrating night against a resilient DR Congo side inspired by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. But Munoz eventually broke the deadlock in the 76th minute to send Nestor Lorenzo's men into the knockout rounds with a game to spare.

Colombia vs DR Congo, FIFA World Cup 2026: HIGHLIGHTS

The result moved Colombia to six points from two Group K matches, ensuring qualification regardless of results elsewhere. Portugal, who thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier in the day, also advanced, setting up a showdown between the two sides for top spot in the group.

For DR Congo, the defeat was a cruel outcome after an organised and disciplined display. They remain on one point but still have a realistic chance of progressing if they beat Uzbekistan in their final group-stage match.

Colombia arrived in Guadalajara brimming with confidence after their 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in the opener and immediately imposed themselves on the contest. James Rodriguez orchestrated attacks from midfield, Luis Diaz provided a constant threat down the flank and Jhon Arias repeatedly found pockets of space in dangerous areas.

Yet for all their control, Colombia found themselves repeatedly denied by Mpasi.

The DR Congo goalkeeper produced a series of outstanding saves to keep the score level. He reacted sharply to keep out a James effort from inside the box, stood firm against Diaz and then frustrated Arias as Colombia's pressure intensified. With every save, belief grew among the Congolese players while anxiety began to creep into Colombia's game.

DR Congo rarely threatened for sustained periods but remained dangerous on the counterattack. They defended compactly, closed passing lanes effectively and forced Colombia to search for openings that never seemed to arrive.

As the match wore on, Colombia's dominance began to resemble wastefulness.

The breakthrough finally came when Juan Quintero unlocked the defence with a clever pass into the path of Munoz. Timing his run perfectly, the defender burst into the penalty area and drilled a low effort towards the near post. A slight deflection helped the ball evade Mpasi and nestle into the net, ending the goalkeeper's remarkable resistance.

The goal sparked relief more than celebration among the Colombian players, who knew they had been made to work far harder than expected.

DR Congo attempted to mount a late response, but Colombia managed the closing stages comfortably and protected their slender advantage to secure back-to-back wins at the tournament.

While Munoz delivered the decisive moment, much of the post-match discussion is likely to centre on Mpasi's performance. The goalkeeper finished with eight saves and was the primary reason the contest remained alive for as long as it did.

The victory continues Colombia's impressive World Cup trend. They have now progressed beyond the group stage in each of their last three tournament appearances, having also reached the knockout rounds in 2014 and 2018.

Munoz also etched his name into Colombian World Cup history. He became only the second Colombian defender to score multiple goals at a single World Cup, joining Yerry Mina, who struck three times during the 2018 tournament in Russia.

Qualification may now be secured, but Colombia will know tougher tests lie ahead. Against Portugal, they are likely to get fewer chances than they enjoyed against DR Congo and will need to be far more clinical if they are to establish themselves as genuine contenders in the knockout phase.

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