FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K: Colombia vs DR Congo Match Report – Daniel Muñoz Strikes Late as Colombia Edge DR Congo 1-0 to Reach Knockout Stages

Colombia are in complete control of Group K and have officially booked their place in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo at Estadio Guadalajara (Estadio Akron).

Néstor Lorenzo’s side saw their patience heavily tested. They recorded 20 shots worth 1.03 expected goals (xG) while restricting DR Congo to 0.39 xG from eight attempts. The breakthrough finally arrived and stuck through six minutes of added time, with marauding right-back Daniel Muñoz making the all-important difference.

Match Overview

First Half: Mpasi’s Heroics Frustrate Colombia

It was a fast start from Colombia. Muñoz struck the outside of the post from close range after Jhon Arias‘ initial effort was parried away by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Muñoz thought he had scored the opener in the sixth minute, bundling in on the goal line after his first header was saved by VAR, but the Crystal Palace defender was flagged offside from Johan Mojica‘s initial cross.

Mpasi had an incredibly busy first half, keeping the scoreline at 0-0 before the break with six crucial saves. The DR Congo goalkeeper denied Luis Díaz‘s well-crafted effort, as well as long-distance attempts from James Rodríguez and Gustavo Puerta. In fact, Mpasi became the first player to make five saves within the opening 20 minutes of a World Cup match since Jamaica’s Warren Barrett against Argentina in 1998.

Sébastien Desabre set DR Congo up in a compact 5-3-2 and his players made it tough. At the interval, DR Congo had mustered just 0.10 xG.

Second Half: Muñoz Finally Breaks the Deadlock

The DR Congo goalkeeper was called upon again five minutes after the break, thwarting Díaz with his leg before Arias inexplicably missed the target on the rebound.

DR Congo adjusted their lineup to find a foothold. A halftime swap brought Noah Sadiki into midfield. Simon Banza replaced Cédric Bakambu at 57 minutes to add aerial presence, with Joris Kayembe and Charles Pickel joining at 72 minutes. Those moves lifted their second‑half xG to 0.30 and they improved crossing accuracy to 3 of 7 after the interval.

Colombia answered with substitutions of their own. Juan Fernando Quintero and Jhon Córdoba were introduced at 58 minutes, and the tempo of their attacks sharpened. In just 32 minutes, Quintero completed 20 of 26 passes, hit 7 of 10 long balls, created 2 chances, and served the assist for the winner.

Colombia broke the deadlock in the 76th minute. Córdoba allowed Quintero‘s pass to roll through to Muñoz, who saw his shot deflect off Steve Kapuadi and into the bottom-left corner.

There was still time for more drama. Díaz saw two goals ruled out—first for a foul and then for offside—while Richard Ríos arrived off the bench to close the midfield lanes and block one late effort. In the 91st minute, Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas went full stretch to tip Nathanaël Mbuku‘s long-range strike around the post.

Goal Summary Timeline

Tactical Breakdown: Colombia’s Superior Control

Colombia’s mix of patience and pressure translated into the stats that usually decide international matches. They posted 64% possession (60% after the break) and completed 473 of 540 passes. That control fed the final third, with 63 entries and a strong 73% success rate in final-third actions.

Colombia attempted 20 shots to DR Congo’s 8, placing 9 on target compared to 1 (outshooting them on target 3 to 1 after the break). Touches in the penalty area read 26 to 10, and Colombia recorded both of the match’s big chances.

Their route wasn’t only about short passing. Colombia hit 40 of 66 long balls (61% accuracy), a clean contrast to DR Congo’s 14 of 49 (29%). The only irritant for Colombia was timing runs, with 7 offsides stalling promising attacks. Díaz and Puerta attempted five shots each (match-high), while James Rodríguez became the first Colombia player to create five chances in a World Cup match since Carlos Valderrama against England in 1998.

DR Congo competed well in duels and defended bravely. They won more total tackles (14 to 10) and matched Colombia for clearances at 18 while blocking two shots. They crossed slightly better as a team, completing 4 of 14 compared to Colombia’s 3 of 12, and earned four corners. Yoane Wissa led the line gamely with 1 key pass and the team’s lone shot on target, but DR Congo created no big chances overall.

Player Spotlight: Daniel Muñoz

It was Muñoz who kick-started Colombia’s World Cup campaign by scoring the opening goal in their 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, and the attacking full-back has now fired his country into the knockout rounds. He became the fourth Colombian player to score in consecutive World Cup appearances, and the first since Yerry Mina in 2018.

His attacking volume stood out: 2 shots, 1 on target, one effort off the post, and 0.27 xG. His shot on target carried 0.59 expected goals on target (xGOT). He had one big chance missed, the only blemish on a strong attacking outing.

Muñoz kept Colombia moving with control. He completed 47 of 51 passes for a 92 percent success rate and took 69 touches. In his own half, he went 30 of 31, and in the opposition half, he was 17 of 20. He attempted one cross and mixed in five long balls (completing three, with one accurate long ball noted as a key action). He logged 13 carries for 96 meters in total, which added just over 50 meters of progression.

Defensively, Muñoz recorded 2 tackles, 2 clearances, and 3 recoveries. He competed in seven duels, winning three, and split his aerial contests with one won and one lost. There were minor risks: he was flagged offside once, committed two fouls, was dispossessed once, and had two heavy touches.

Muñoz’s World Cup Form

Zooming out to his tournament totals, Muñoz is on a strong early run. Across two appearances and 180 minutes, he has two goals. He has taken three shots, converting at 67 percent. His xG adds up to 0.74, so he is finishing above expectation. The passing has stayed reliable at 89 percent accuracy, with 80 of 90 completed.

Defensively across the tournament, he has four tackles, three interceptions, and five clearances, with one clean sheet in the bank. Physically, he has hit 30.09 km/h, covered 10.75 km, and recorded 11 sprints.

Other Standouts

Defenders Davinson Sánchez and Johan Mojica were highly effective, each calm in build-up and tidy in duels. On the visiting side, Mpasi was undoubtedly the star, making eight saves (including three big saves) and posting 0.39 goals prevented, keeping the match a one-goal game.

What This Means for Group K

Colombia can now secure top spot in Group K with a draw against Portugal in their final group match. The win fits Colombia’s broader trend under Lorenzo: protect the box first, then let their wide players and full-backs tip the game.

For DR Congo, there is a solid defensive base to build on and a goalkeeper in top form. The next step is turning some of that industry into shots on target. They will likely need a win in their final group match to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

Read More: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L: Panama vs Croatia Match Report – Ante Budimir’s Goal Marks Luka Modrić’s 200th Cap as Croatia Beat Panama 1-0

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