Muñoz's goal enough: Colombia through with a 1-0

In 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K, Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0 at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan to claim a second win and all but secure a last-32 berth. After beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opener, Colombia took two wins from two games with this result and settled into a strong position in the race to top the group.

Colombia started on the front foot and found the net in the sixth minute; but Daniel Muñoz's goal was ruled out for offside. Controlling the ball throughout the first half and constantly pressing into the opposition box, Colombia struggled to break down DR Congo's disciplined, compact defence. Sébastien Desabre's men, defending deep and patiently, managed to close out the first 45 minutes goalless.

In the second half, Colombia manager Néstor Lorenzo turned to substitutions to spark the attack, bringing on the likes of Jhon Córdoba and Juan Quintero. The moves brought the result he wanted: in the 76th, from a chance set up by Quintero, Daniel Muñoz this time found the net legitimately to put Colombia 1-0 up and score the game's only goal. That crucial goal from right-back Muñoz was the moment that carried his team to victory and qualification.

The stats laid bare Colombia's clear superiority. Lorenzo's side reached 64% possession and 1.02 expected goals (xG), with DR Congo on 0.40. Colombia had 20 shots and created two big chances; DR Congo replied with eight shots but failed to produce a clear opening. Colombia's Jhon Lucumí (56') and Jefferson Lerma (90+4'), and DR Congo's Charles Pickel (90+3'), were booked. The match was officiated by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani, with over 45,000 fans in the stands.

With this win, Colombia all but pocketed their qualification ticket before facing a strong Portugal in the final game and gained an advantage in the race for top spot. Luis Díaz's dynamism in attack and the defence's solidity painted a promising picture for Colombia for the later stages of the tournament. DR Congo, who drew with Portugal and took the first World Cup point in their history in the opener, lost here despite their resistance and largely left their qualifying hopes to results in the final game. The lack of enough impact from Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu up top was one of the game's turning points for the African side. DR Congo still carry a mathematical chance, depending on the result of their last game and elsewhere.

Image: The Hindu