Muñoz Sends Colombia Into World Cup Knockout Stage
Daniel Muñoz scored the winner as Colombia defeated DR Congo 1-0 and secured a place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Colombia secured a place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Daniel Muñoz scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over DR Congo at Estadio Guadalajara.
Muñoz broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, completing a well-worked move after substitutes Juan Fernando Quintero and Jhon Córdoba combined in the attacking third.
Luis Díaz then had two goals disallowed in quick succession as Colombia attempted to extend their advantage. DR Congo threatened during the closing stages, but goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made an important late save to protect the victory.
Colombia have won both of their Group K matches after opening the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan. DR Congo remain on one point following their earlier 1-1 draw against Portugal.
Muñoz Converts Colombia’s Pressure
Colombia controlled the match from the opening minutes and repeatedly tested DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
Jhon Arias forced an early save before Muñoz missed an open net from the rebound, driving his attempt into the side netting. The Colombian right-back then bundled the ball over the line two minutes later, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Mpasi continued to keep DR Congo level, denying James Rodríguez, Johan Mojica, Gustavo Puerta and Díaz during a one-sided first half. He made six saves before the interval as Colombia recorded five shots on target within the opening 20 minutes.
DR Congo spent much of the first half defending inside their own half but nearly created an opportunity when Arthur Masuaku delivered a dangerous cross towards Cédric Bakambu. The striker could not direct his header towards goal.
Colombia entered halftime with approximately 65 per cent possession and a significant advantage in chances created, but the match remained scoreless.
Colombia head coach Néstor Lorenzo introduced Córdoba and Quintero in the 58th minute, replacing Luis Suárez and Rodríguez.
The changes eventually produced the decisive goal.
Jefferson Lerma won possession in the attacking third and moved the ball to Quintero, who immediately played a pass through the defensive line. Córdoba allowed the ball to run beyond him after holding off his marker, creating space for Muñoz to arrive from the right.
Muñoz met the pass with a first-time finish that beat Mpasi at his near post.
It was Quintero’s first assist of the tournament and came only 18 minutes after the midfielder entered the match.
Díaz appeared to double Colombia’s lead three minutes later when he collected Quintero’s long pass and lifted the ball over Mpasi. However, the goal was disallowed after Díaz was penalized for pushing Chancel Mbemba.
The Bayern Munich winger found the net again in the 80th minute, cutting inside Mbemba and firing into the top corner, but an offside decision prevented the goal from counting.
Vargas Preserves Colombia’s Victory
DR Congo pushed more players forward during the final minutes and forced Vargas into his first save of the match in the 90th minute.
Nathanaël Mbuku struck a powerful effort from outside the penalty area, but Vargas moved across his goal and tipped the ball behind for a corner. Mbemba later directed a header towards the bottom corner, although Vargas gathered it comfortably.
Colombia survived six minutes of added time to complete their second consecutive victory and maintain their perfect start to the tournament.
The result extended Colombia’s scoring run to 11 consecutive World Cup matches. It also strengthened their position in Group K ahead of their final group fixture against Portugal.
DR Congo will finish the group stage against Uzbekistan, with Sébastien Desabre’s team likely needing a victory to retain any chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed sides.
Colombia’s qualification and DR Congo’s uncertain position are also likely to affect Group K prices at soccer betting sites before the final round of matches. Canadian readers following the tournament can also review the latest World Cup 2026 Betting Bonuses in Canada before the knockout stage begins.