Colombia edge DR Congo to seal FIFA World Cup knockout qualification
Colombia secured qualification for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating DR Congo 1-0 in a tightly contested Group K encounter in Guadalajara.
A second-half strike from Daniel Muñoz proved enough to separate the two sides, extending Colombia's perfect start to the tournament and guaranteeing their place in the knockout rounds with one match remaining.
The victory also sends Néstor Lorenzo's side to the top of Group K ahead of a final-day showdown with Portugal.
Colombia control early proceedings
Fresh from their opening victory over Uzbekistan, Colombia began with confidence and dominated possession throughout the opening half. James Rodríguez dictated play from midfield while Luis Díaz consistently stretched the Congolese defence with his pace and direct running.
The South Americans created several clear opportunities before halftime.
Daniel Muñoz thought he had broken the deadlock early on, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Shortly afterwards, James Rodríguez tested goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with a powerful effort before the DR Congo shot-stopper produced further impressive saves to deny Johan Mojica and Díaz.
DR Congo show defensive resilience
Despite Colombia's attacking dominance, DR Congo gradually settled into the contest after the first cooling break. The African side defended with discipline and looked increasingly comfortable absorbing pressure before launching quick counter-attacks whenever space appeared.
Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was one of the standout performers, repeatedly frustrating Colombia with a string of outstanding saves that kept the match level deep into the second half.
Muñoz finally breaks the deadlock
Colombia eventually found the breakthrough in the 76th minute. After seeing an earlier effort ruled out, Daniel Muñoz reacted quickest inside the penalty area, with his effort taking a decisive deflection that wrong-footed Mpasi before finding the back of the net.
The goal rewarded Colombia's sustained attacking pressure and ultimately proved decisive.
Late pressure from DR Congo
DR Congo refused to surrender after falling behind and pushed numbers forward during the closing stages. Nathanael Mbuku nearly rescued a point in stoppage time with a fierce strike that forced Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas into an excellent save.
The Colombians managed the closing minutes professionally to preserve both the clean sheet and all three points.
Group K Qualification picture
With consecutive victories over Uzbekistan and DR Congo, Colombia move onto six points and become the latest nation to book a place in the knockout rounds.
Their final group fixture against Portugal will determine who finishes top of Group K. For DR Congo, qualification hopes remain alive but will require victory over Uzbekistan in their final match, along with favourable results elsewhere.
After missing out on qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Colombia have now returned to the global stage in impressive fashion and will head into the knockout rounds carrying significant momentum.
SportsLigue
