Colombia Edge Past DR Congo to Seal World Cup Knockout Spot in Nail-Biting 1-0 Thriller
Colombia have officially booked their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo at Estadio Guadalajara.
Néstor Lorenzo’s team dominated possession and created the better chances, firing 20 shots with 1.03 xG, while keeping DR Congo limited to just 0.39 xG from eight attempts. But despite constant pressure, Colombia needed a late breakthrough to finally find the winner.
The hero was Daniel Muñoz, who turned the game around in the 76th minute. After a clever pass from Juan Fernando Quintero, Jhon Córdoba let the ball roll through to Muñoz, whose deflected strike found the bottom corner and sent Colombia into the knockout stage.
Colombia started aggressively, with Muñoz hitting the post early after Jhon Arias’ shot was saved. The defender thought he had opened the scoring moments later, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a stunning display, denying efforts from Luis DÃaz, James RodrÃguez, and Gustavo Puerta to keep his side alive. After the break, DÃaz came close again, while Arias missed a golden rebound chance.
The drama continued until the final whistle. DÃaz saw two late goals ruled out — one for a foul and another for offside — while DR Congo nearly stole a point when Nathanaël Mbuku’s long-range strike forced Camilo Vargas into a spectacular save.
In the end, Colombia’s patience paid off. A tense battle, a late winner, and a place in the World Cup knockout rounds secured.
Colombia 1-0 DR Congo, final score, stats, facts, records.
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Colombia have won four of their five FIFA World Cup matches against African nations, with their only defeat in such fixtures coming against Cameroon in 1990.
James RodrÃguez made his 10th appearance for Colombia at the FIFA World Cup, equalling the record for the most appearances by a Colombian player in the competition, joining Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón.
Colombia have won their first two group stage matches at a FIFA World Cup for the second time in seven all-time appearances, also doing so in 2014 when they recorded their best finish (quarter-final).
Colombia attempted 20 shots against DR Congo, their highest tally in a single FIFA World Cup match since recording 21 shots against Tunisia in 1998.
DR Congo have conceded just two goals in two matches at this year’s FIFA World Cup. They conceded 11 times in their first two matches as Zaire in their first appearance in the competition in 1974.
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