📅 June 24, 2026 | By Pulse India News Desk
Daniel Muñoz celebrates after scoring Colombia’s decisive goal against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match.
| Match | Colombia vs DR Congo |
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group K |
| Venue | Guadalajara Stadium, Zapopan, Mexico |
| Final Score | Colombia 1-0 DR Congo |
| Colombia Goal | ⚽ Daniel Muñoz 76’ |
| DR Congo Goals | None |
| Result | Colombia qualified for the Round of 32 with a game to spare. |
Muñoz Winner Sends Colombia Into Round Of 32
Colombia defeated DR Congo 1-0 in a tense FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match, with Daniel Muñoz scoring the decisive goal in the 76th minute.
Néstor Lorenzo’s side dominated possession and chances, but DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a superb performance to keep the match level until the closing stages.
- Colombia defeated DR Congo 1-0 in Group K.
- Daniel Muñoz scored the winning goal in the 76th minute.
- Colombia dominated with 66% possession and 20 shots.
- DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made several crucial saves.
- Colombia had goals ruled out for offside during a VAR-heavy contest.
- Colombia qualified for the Round of 32 with one match remaining.
- DR Congo remain alive in the race for a best third-place qualification spot.
Colombia Beat DR Congo 1-0 In Guadalajara
Colombia secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo to strengthen their grip on Group K and seal qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.
The South American side controlled long spells of the match, using Luis Díaz, Jhon Arias and James Rodríguez to stretch DR Congo’s compact defensive structure. However, the African side stayed disciplined and frustrated Colombia for most of the contest.
The breakthrough finally came in the 76th minute when Daniel Muñoz drove into the box and struck a deflected effort that wrong-footed Lionel Mpasi.
Daniel Muñoz reacts after missing an earlier chance before eventually scoring Colombia’s winner.
📊 Match Statistics
| Metric | Colombia | DR Congo | Match Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 1 | 0 | Muñoz’s late strike decided the match |
| Possession | 66% | 34% | Colombia controlled the rhythm |
| Shots | 20 | 7 | Colombia created constant pressure |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 2 | Mpasi kept DR Congo alive |
| Passes | 506 | 281 | Colombia dominated circulation |
| Passing Accuracy | 88% | 77% | Colombia cleaner in possession |
| Fouls | 12 | 17 | DR Congo disrupted rhythm physically |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 1 | Late midfield intensity increased |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 | No dismissals |
| Offsides | 7 | 0 | Colombia repeatedly attacked the line |
| Corners | 5 | 4 | Both sides carried set-piece threat |
🔎 Tactical Analysis
Colombia’s 4-2-3-1 Shape: Colombia used a controlled 4-2-3-1 with James Rodríguez as the central creator, Luis Díaz and Jhon Arias attacking wide spaces, and Luis Suárez leading the line.
DR Congo’s 5-3-2 Low Block: Sébastien Desabre kept DR Congo compact with a five-man defensive line. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku tucked in tightly to reduce space for Colombia’s wide attackers.
Mpasi’s Goalkeeping Masterclass: Lionel Mpasi repeatedly denied Colombia, including a crucial double save early in the second half. His performance kept DR Congo in the match far longer than the shot count suggested.
Quintero Changes The Tempo: Juan Fernando Quintero’s introduction gave Colombia quicker passing into the final third. His movement helped stretch the Congolese block horizontally before the winning goal arrived.
Muñoz Finds The Breakthrough: Colombia’s right-back became the match-winner by attacking the box from deep. His deflected strike finally broke DR Congo’s defensive resistance.
📊 Match Timeline
| Minute | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 6’ | Goal disallowed after Daniel Muñoz heads in from close range. | Colombia denied an early lead for offside. |
| 45’ | Half-Time: Colombia 0-0 DR Congo. | Colombia dominate, but Mpasi stands firm. |
| 45’ | Noah Sadiki replaces Ngal’ayel Mukau for DR Congo. | DR Congo refresh midfield energy. |
| 50’ | Mpasi makes a big double save to deny Luis Díaz and Jhon Arias. | DR Congo survive major pressure. |
| 56’ | 🟨 Yellow card for Jhon Lucumí. | Colombia receive their first booking. |
| 57’ | Jhon Córdoba and Juan Fernando Quintero enter for Colombia. | Colombia add attacking power and creativity. |
| 76’ | ⚽ Goal! Daniel Muñoz scores with a deflected strike. | Colombia finally break through. |
| 81’ | Luis Díaz goal ruled out for offside. | Colombia denied a second goal. |
| 90+3’ | 🟨 Charles Pickel and Jefferson Lerma booked. | Midfield battle boils over late. |
| 90+6’ | Full-Time: Colombia 1-0 DR Congo. | Colombia qualify for the Round of 32. |
📋 Tactical Lineups
Goalkeeper: Camilo Vargas
Defenders: Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica
Midfielders: Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Puerta
Attacking Midfielders: Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz
Forward: Luis Suárez
Approach: Colombia controlled possession, attacked through wide combinations and used late substitutions to increase final-third tempo.
Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi, Arthur Masuaku
Midfielders: Ngal’ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe
Forwards: Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa
Approach: DR Congo defended deep, narrowed the pitch and looked to counter through Wissa and Bakambu when possession was recovered.
⭐ Top Performers
⭐ Daniel Muñoz: Scored the decisive goal and remained a constant attacking outlet from right-back.
⭐ Lionel Mpasi: Produced a brilliant goalkeeping display with several important saves.
⭐ Juan Fernando Quintero: Changed Colombia’s attacking rhythm after coming on in the second half.
⭐ Luis Díaz: Constantly stretched DR Congo’s defence and had a goal ruled out for offside.
⭐ Chancel Mbemba: Led DR Congo’s defensive resistance for most of the match.
DR Congo supporters created a colorful atmosphere before the Group K clash against Colombia in Zapopan.
🏆 Group K Standings After Colombia vs DR Congo
| Pos | Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 6 |
| 2 | Portugal | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 4 |
| 3 | DR Congo | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| 4 | Uzbekistan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 0 |
📅 Qualification Scenario & Next Fixtures
| Team | Scenario |
|---|---|
| Colombia | Qualified for the Round of 32. A draw or win against Portugal should secure top spot in Group K. |
| Portugal | Face Colombia in a final group match that will likely decide first place. |
| DR Congo | Need to beat Uzbekistan to remain in the race for one of the best third-place qualification spots. |
| Uzbekistan | Bottom with 0 points and already eliminated after two defeats. |
Colombia had to work harder than expected, but their pressure eventually told. Muñoz’s late goal rewarded their attacking persistence and confirmed their place in the knockout rounds.
DR Congo were disciplined, brave and difficult to break down, but they lacked enough attacking threat to punish Colombia. Their tournament hopes now depend on beating Uzbekistan in the final group match.
Player of the Match: Daniel Muñoz ⭐
Key Moment: Muñoz’s 76th-minute winning goal
Colombia Status: Qualified for Round of 32
Pulse India News Rating: 8.5/10
FIFA World Cup 2026 Colombia vs DR Congo Group K Daniel Muñoz Luis Diaz James Rodriguez Colombia DR Congo World Cup Review Guadalajara
