Colombia reaches World Cup Round of 32 with late win over DR Congo

Daniel Muñoz scored a deflected goal in the 76th minute on Tuesday night as Colombia edged DR Congo 1-0 at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan to secure their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.reuters+1

The right-back's strike, his second of the tournament after also scoring in the opening 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, came after DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau delivered an outstanding display to keep his side in the match. Mpasi-Nzau made eight saves throughout the contest but was finally beaten when Muñoz's shot from inside the penalty area took a deflection that left the keeper wrong-footed.sports.yahoo+1

Muñoz the Unlikely Hero

While much of the pre-tournament attention centered on Bayern Munich's Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez, it was Muñoz who proved decisive for a second straight match, according to Reuters. Colombia dominated possession and created the better chances throughout, finishing with an expected goals tally of 1.03 to DR Congo's 0.39.africa.espn+2

Group K Standings

Colombia now sit top of Group K on six points from two matches, having won both games. Their final group match comes Saturday night in Miami against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, who earlier hammered Uzbekistan 5-0. A win or draw against Portugal would guarantee Colombia top spot in the group.espn+3

DR Congo, who drew with Portugal in their opener, remain on one point and must beat Uzbekistan in their final match in Atlanta to have any chance of advancing.bbc+1