World Cup 2026: Colombia beat DR Congo to seal place in Round of 32

Colombia secured qualification to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating DR Congo 1-0 in their second Group K encounter on Wednesday morning.

Colombia dominate early exchanges

The South Americans produced another energetic attacking performance in Guadalajara and looked threatening from the opening minutes of the contest.

Daniel Munoz nearly handed Colombia the lead early in the game after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area, but his powerful effort drifted narrowly wide of the right post.

Moments later, Colombia thought they had gone ahead after Munoz found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review for offside.

DR Congo goalkeeper keeps his side alive

DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau played a key role in keeping the match level for long periods with several important saves.

Luis Diaz came close shortly after the restart when he reacted sharply inside the penalty area and fired a low effort towards goal, but Mpasi-Nzau got a strong hand to the shot to deny the Colombian winger.

Daniel Munoz finally breaks the deadlock

Colombia eventually found the breakthrough in the 76th minute through Daniel Munoz.

Substitute Juan Quintero slipped a pass into the defender, whose shot from inside the box took a deflection before beating the helpless goalkeeper to hand Colombia a deserved lead.

Luis Diaz later thought he had doubled the advantage, but the goal was once again ruled out for offside.

Colombia book knockout qualification

DR Congo attempted to fight back late in the contest and nearly found an equaliser when Nathanael Mbuku tested Camilo Vargas with a powerful strike from distance, but the Colombian goalkeeper produced the save to protect his side’s advantage.

The win gives Colombia six points from two matches and secures their qualification to the Round of 32 even before their final group-stage fixture against Portugal.