Colombia National Football Team Vs Dr Congo National Football Team: Colombia Beat DR Congo 1-0 to Reach 2026 World Cup Knockout Stage
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Daniel Munoz’s 76th-minute strike proved the difference as Colombia secured their place in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, edging out a resilient DR Congo side at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
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For much of the match, it looked like DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi would single-handedly deny Colombia the points. He produced a string of outstanding saves to keep the scoreline level deep into the second half, with Colombia dominating possession at 64 percent and generating nine shots on target without reward.
The goal that finally settled it
Munoz’s deflected effort in the 76th minute was the breakthrough Colombia had been chasing all evening. It came shortly after a substitution saw Richard Rios and Jhon Arias enter the pitch, and the change in energy was almost immediately felt. Jefferson Lerma was booked in stoppage time as DR Congo pushed desperately for an equalizer, but Colombia held firm to claim all three points.
Where both teams now stand in Group K
The result reshapes the group picture heading into the final matchday. Portugal had already beaten Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier in the day, which means Colombia could not clinch the group outright on Tuesday night. The two sides will now meet in Miami Gardens on Saturday with first place on the line.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| Portugal | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 4 |
| DR Congo | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Uzbekistan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
*Standings based on available match results. Confirm final figures with official FIFA tables.*
What comes next for both sides
Colombia are through regardless of what happens against Portugal, but the incentive to finish top remains real. A first-place finish shapes their path through the knockout rounds, and avoiding Portugal’s side of the bracket could matter significantly in the later stages of the tournament.
For DR Congo, elimination from the group stage is now confirmed. They finish their campaign against Uzbekistan in the final round, a match that carries no points consequence but could offer some consolation and a chance for younger players to gain experience on the biggest stage in world football.
Colombia’s performance, despite the late winner, showed both their quality and the fine margins at this level. Mpasi’s heroics meant a dominant display nearly ended without reward. Munoz’s goal, fortunate as it was with the deflection, reflected the persistence Colombia showed across 90 minutes. Néstor Lorenzo’s side will head into Saturday’s Portugal fixture with confidence and the knowledge that they only need a draw to finish as group winners.
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