Daniel Muñoz delivered once again for Colombia, scoring for the second consecutive match as Los Cafeteros secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo in Group K action on Tuesday in Guadalajara.
The Crystal Palace defender finally found a way past an inspired Lionel Mpasi, whose outstanding goalkeeping performance kept the Democratic Republic of Congo in the contest until the closing stages. The result sends Colombia into the knockout rounds with one group-stage match remaining, while DR Congo must now defeat Uzbekistan in their final Group K fixture to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
DR Congo threatened first when Edo Kayembe fired over the crossbar in the opening minutes, but that proved to be one of the few attacking opportunities for the Africans during a dominant Colombian start.
Colombia controlled possession and created a barrage of chances, registering eight shots in the opening 20 minutes. Mpasi was immediately called into action, producing saves from Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez, and Gustavo Puerta. Muñoz thought he had opened the scoring after converting a rebound, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Luis Díaz also came close when his low strike slipped through Mpasi’s legs before deflecting just wide of the post.
After weathering the early storm, DR Congo settled into the match following a hydration break as rain began to fall over Guadalajara. The Africans tightened defensively and nearly capitalized on a Colombian mistake when Yoane Wissa chased down a loose back pass. Arthur Masuaku also created danger with a teasing delivery into the box that nearly found a finishing touch.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Colombia pressing forward and Mpasi continuing to frustrate their attackers. The Congolese goalkeeper denied Díaz early in the half and appeared determined to preserve the deadlock.
However, Colombia’s persistence finally paid off in the 76th minute. Muñoz collected the ball inside the area and fired a shot that took a slight deflection before sneaking past Mpasi at the near post, giving Colombia the breakthrough they had been searching for all evening.
Díaz appeared eager to add a second goal as the match opened up in the final stages. The Liverpool winger twice found the back of the net within a four-minute span, but both celebrations were cut short. His first effort was disallowed for a push on a defender before he cleverly lifted the ball over Mpasi, while the second was ruled out for offside.
Despite the disappointment of the disallowed goals, Colombia remained in control. Juan Quintero nearly doubled the lead, forcing yet another save from the outstanding Mpasi, who was unquestionably DR Congo’s standout performer.
At the other end, Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas was largely untroubled until stoppage time. Vargas made his first save of the night by turning away a long-range effort from Nathanaël Mbuku before smothering a dangerous header from DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba following a late corner kick.
The final whistle confirmed Colombia’s progression to the knockout stages and continued their impressive World Cup campaign. With six points from two matches, they now turn their attention to their final Group K encounter, while DR Congo faces a must-win showdown against Uzbekistan in a bid to extend its stay at the tournament.
Colombia’s qualification was built on disciplined defending, relentless attacking pressure, and another timely contribution from Muñoz, whose goal proved enough to send the South Americans into the World Cup’s knockout rounds.
