Munoz goal sends Colombia into the last 16 after stubborn DR Congo resistance

Colombia secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage on Tuesday with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Guadalajara. The victory, built on relentless pressure and a decisive second-half strike from Daniel Munoz, lifted the South Americans to six points in Group K after two matches.

Early Colombian pressure meets Congolese resistance

From the opening whistle, Colombia poured forward. Daniel Munoz came closest to breaking the deadlock within the first six minutes: he first hit the side netting from a right-wing cross (3') and then saw a close-range finish ruled out for offside (6'). James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz added to the barrage, forcing Lionel Mpasi-Nzau into sharp saves. The DR Congo goalkeeper was the standout figure of the first half, denying Rodriguez's long-range effort in the 11th minute and Diaz's shot from inside the box after 16 minutes. By half-time, Colombia had unleashed 14 shots to the Congolese team's two, yet the score remained 0-0.

Munoz breaks deadlock after deflection

After the restart, Colombia continued to probe, but Mpasi again stopped Diaz from close range and Johan Mojica's delivery was intercepted. The stalemate persisted until the 76th minute. Jhon Cordoba challenged Congolese defender Steve Kapuadi on the edge of the penalty area, and the loose ball fell to Munoz arriving from the right. His low shot took a deflection off Kapuadi, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and nestling into the net for the game's only goal. Moments later, Diaz found the net twice, but both efforts were disallowed for offside.

Colombia holds on to secure knockout berth

DR Congo pushed for a late equaliser, and Nathanael Mbuku's powerful long-range effort in stoppage time forced Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas into a fingertip save over the bar. Colombia held firm to preserve the 1-0 result. The win, combined with their opening 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, guarantees their place in the last 16. DR Congo, who had earlier drawn 1-1 with Portugal, will need a result in their final group match to join them.