Colombia clinched their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32 after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Congo DR at Guadalajara Stadium. The victory makes it two wins from two for the South American side, securing them a top-two spot in Group K with one group-stage match remaining.

Colombian Pressure Thwarted by Mpasi

Congo DR’s Edo Kayembe tested the waters early on with a long-range effort that sailed wide, but the rest of an electric first half largely belonged to Colombia.

The opening period turned into a duel between the Colombian attack and Congo DR goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Mpasi first denied Jhon Arias, with Daniel Muñoz sending the follow-up into the side netting. Muñoz then saw a header saved before bundling in the rebound, only to have the opening goal ruled out for offside.

Colombia continued to press aggressively as the half progressed, with Mpasi turning away a succession of attempts from James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, and Gustavo Puerta. Congo DR finally threatened late in the half when Arthur Masuaku’s raking cross narrowly evaded the head of Yoane Wissa, who was inches away from finding the target.

Muñoz Breaks the Deadlock

The second half began in much the same fashion. Mpasi was called into action almost immediately after the restart, making himself big to thwart Díaz at close quarters. The rebound fell directly to Arias, but his shot through a crowded penalty area whistled just wide of the post.

As Colombia’s frustrations began to show, Muñoz finally broke Mpasi’s stubborn resistance in the 76th minute. Benefiting from intelligent hold-up play by substitute Jhon Córdoba, Muñoz found space to unleash a strike that deflected past the keeper and into the back of the net.

Díaz had two subsequent goals chalked off for offside as Colombia weathered a late wave of pressure from Congo DR to seal the victory.

Group K Outlook

With six points from two matches, Colombia goes into their final group-stage meeting against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal safe in the knowledge that they have already qualified.

Despite the defeat, Congo DR’s World Cup dream is not over. Currently sitting in third place with one point, they can still advance to the Round of 32 if they defeat Uzbekistan in their final match and results elsewhere go their way.