Colombia advances to World Cup round of 32 with victory over DR Congo
Daniel Munoz’s 76th-minute goal secures knockout stage qualification for Colombia, leaving DR Congo needing a win against Uzbekistan to remain in contention.
Colombia has secured its place in the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, advancing with one group match remaining after a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The result, achieved in Group K on Tuesday, guarantees Colombia’s progression to the knockout stage as they move to six points from two matches.
The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when Daniel Munoz scored the winning goal. The defender surged into the penalty area following a pass from Juan Quintero and fired a low shot that took a deflection on its way past DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. The breakthrough ended a period of frustration for the South American side, who had dominated possession and created the better chances throughout the match.
Despite their control of the game, Colombia was repeatedly denied by Mpasi, who produced a series of saves to keep out efforts from James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz, and Jhon Arias. The victory places Colombia ahead in the group standings, with their final fixture scheduled against Portugal, who defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier on Tuesday.
For DR Congo, the loss leaves them on one point and facing an uphill battle to maintain their qualification hopes. The squad, making their first World Cup appearance since 1974 when the nation competed as Zaire, must defeat Uzbekistan in their final group game to keep their tournament ambitions alive. The team arrived in the United States on Thursday after completing a mandatory 21-day quarantine required by US authorities due to an Ebola outbreak in the country.
In parallel action in Group L, Croatia secured a 1-0 victory over Panama with a goal from Ante Budimir in the 54th minute. The result kept Croatia’s hopes alive for a top-two finish, particularly after a 0-0 draw between England and Ghana earlier in the day meant the loser of the Croatia-Panama match would have been eliminated.
