World Cup 2026: Colombia beats DR Congo 1-0 to reach Round of 16

Colombia secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The match, part of the second group stage matchday in Group K, saw a goalless first half. Colombian players dominated possession and created several shots on target, but faced a strong defensive effort from DR Congo and heroic goalkeeping from Lionel Mpasi.

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The game was largely dominated by the Colombians, who made several shots on target. However, they ran into the DRC's defensive wall and the vigilance of goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. He had a heroic match.

After halftime, DR Congo showed signs of life with dangerous raids into the Colombian half, but their attack lacked realism. The only goal of the game occurred in the 76th minute during a chaotic play in the Congolese penalty box. D. Munoz scored for Colombia from the right side of the penalty area, with the ball finding the bottom right corner of the net after deflecting off a Congolese defender.

In added time, DR Congo increased pressure with two consecutive corners but failed to equalize. Colombia now leads Group K with 6 points, followed by Portugal with 4, DR Congo with 1, and Uzbekistan with 0. DR Congo's qualification hopes now hinge on their upcoming match against Uzbekistan on June 27 in Atlanta.

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The unique goal of the match came from a scramble in the Congolese penalty area. At 76', the Colombian goal was scored by D. Munoz. The shot came from the right side of the penalty area from the corner of the goal. The ball is in the bottom right corner of the net, after being deflected by a Congolese defender.