Colombia defeated DR Congo 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K match at Guadalajara Stadium. Daniel Muñoz scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute after an assist from Juan Fernando Quintero. The victory gave Colombia two wins from two group matches and secured its place in the knockout stage.
Key Takeaways
- Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0 in Guadalajara.
- Daniel Muñoz scored the only goal in the 76th minute.
- Juan Fernando Quintero provided the assist.
- Colombia controlled 64% possession and recorded 20 shots.
- The win secured Colombia’s place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage.
Colombia vs. DR Congo Score and Result
The final score was Colombia 1-0 DR Congo.
The Group K match took place at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico. The local date was June 23, 2026, while some international score services list it as June 24 because of the UTC time conversion.
The game stayed scoreless through the first half. Colombia created more attacking pressure, but DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi repeatedly kept his team in the match.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute. Juan Fernando Quintero found Daniel Muñoz, who finished the opportunity to give Colombia a 1-0 lead.
DR Congo pushed for an equalizer late in the match, but Colombia held on to claim all three points.
Match Summary: How Colombia Won 1-0
Colombia entered the match looking to build on its opening 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan. DR Congo, meanwhile, had drawn 1-1 with Portugal in its first Group K match.
From the opening minutes, Colombia had more control of the ball and created the clearer chances.
Jhon Arias came close early, while Daniel Muñoz also threatened the DR Congo goal. Mpasi was one of the most important players for the African side, making several saves to keep the score level.
DR Congo defended with discipline and tried to make the most of its opportunities on the counterattack. The Leopards’ defensive organization made it difficult for Colombia to find a clean route through the middle.
At halftime, the score remained 0-0.
Colombia continued to apply pressure after the break. Néstor Lorenzo then made important substitutions, including bringing Juan Fernando Quintero into the game for James Rodríguez.
The change paid off.
In the 76th minute, Quintero delivered the pass that allowed Muñoz to finish and put Colombia ahead. It was Muñoz’s second goal of the tournament after he had also scored against Uzbekistan.
DR Congo could not find a late equalizer, and Colombia finished with a narrow but important victory.
Colombia vs. DR Congo Match Stats
The statistics show how strongly Colombia controlled possession and attacking territory, even though the final score was only 1-0.
| Statistic | Colombia | DR Congo |
| Final score | 1 | 0 |
| Possession | 64% | 36% |
| Total shots | 20 | 7 |
| Shots on target | 9 | 1 |
| Expected goals | 0.98 | 0.37 |
| Big chances | 2 | 0 |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
| Passing accuracy | 88% | 76% |
| Fouls | 12 | 16 |
| Yellow cards | 2 | 1 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
These numbers underline Colombia’s advantage. The South American team had nearly two-thirds of the possession, produced 20 shots compared with seven from DR Congo, and put nine attempts on target.
Still, DR Congo’s defensive performance deserves credit. The team kept Colombia from turning its territorial advantage into multiple goals, and goalkeeper Mpasi was especially influential.
Who Scored for Colombia?
Daniel Muñoz scored Colombia’s only goal in the 76th minute.
The defender became a key attacking contributor for Colombia during the opening two matches of the World Cup. After scoring against Uzbekistan in the first game, Muñoz again found the net against DR Congo.
The goal came after Juan Fernando Quintero entered the game as a substitute for James Rodríguez. Quintero’s pass released Muñoz, who finished the chance to break the deadlock.
That goal was enough to secure Colombia’s second consecutive Group K victory.
Lineups and Key Players
Colombia Starting XI
Colombia used a shape built around Camilo Vargas in goal, with Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí and Johan Mojica forming the defensive line.
The midfield included Gustavo Puerta, Jefferson Lerma and Jhon Arias, while James Rodríguez, Luis Suárez and Luis Díaz provided the main attacking threat.
Key Colombia players included:
- Daniel Muñoz: Scored the winning goal.
- Juan Fernando Quintero: Came on and supplied the decisive assist.
- Luis Díaz: Provided an important attacking outlet.
- James Rodríguez: Started before being replaced by Quintero.
- Camilo Vargas: Helped Colombia maintain the clean sheet.
DR Congo Starting XI
DR Congo relied on Lionel Mpasi in goal and a defensive structure featuring Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku.
The midfield featured Ngal’ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy and Edo Kayembe, with Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa leading the attack.
Lionel Mpasi was particularly important. His saves helped DR Congo remain level for much of the contest despite Colombia’s pressure.
Why the Result Mattered in Group K
The win was especially important because it secured Colombia’s progression to the knockout stage with one group match still remaining.
Before the tournament, Colombia, Portugal, Uzbekistan and DR Congo were placed together in Group K. FIFA described Colombia as one of the stronger sides in the group, while DR Congo had earned its place in the World Cup after a long qualifying route.
Colombia opened its campaign by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1. DR Congo had begun with a 1-1 draw against Portugal.
After Colombia’s 1-0 victory over DR Congo, the South Americans had six points from two matches and had already secured a place in the Round of 32.
The result also made Colombia’s final group match against Portugal particularly interesting because Colombia had already guaranteed its progression.
For DR Congo, the defeat meant the final group match against Uzbekistan remained important for its hopes of moving forward.
Key Takeaways From Colombia vs. DR Congo
The biggest lesson from the match was that Colombia’s control eventually produced a result, even though DR Congo made the game difficult.
Colombia dominated possession, generated more shots and tested Mpasi nine times on target. However, the Congolese defense remained organized for long periods.
Daniel Muñoz once again proved decisive. His second goal of the tournament gave Colombia the breakthrough it needed.
Another important factor was Colombia’s bench. Quintero entered the match and quickly influenced the game by providing the assist for Muñoz’s winning goal.
For DR Congo, the 1-0 loss was frustrating because the team defended well enough to remain competitive deep into the second half. CAF described the performance as disciplined and courageous while noting that Colombia eventually found the breakthrough.
Overall, the match was a narrow scoreline but a significant result for Colombia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Colombia vs. DR Congo?
Colombia defeated DR Congo 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K match. Daniel Muñoz scored the only goal in the 76th minute.
Who scored the winning goal?
Daniel Muñoz scored Colombia’s winning goal in the 76th minute. Juan Fernando Quintero provided the assist after coming on as a substitute.
Where was Colombia vs. DR Congo played?
The match was played at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico. The reported attendance was 45,358.
Did Colombia qualify for the knockout stage?
Yes. Colombia secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after winning its first two Group K matches.
Who assisted Daniel Muñoz?
Juan Fernando Quintero assisted Daniel Muñoz’s 76th-minute goal. Quintero had entered the match as a substitute for James Rodríguez shortly before the goal.
How much possession did Colombia have?
Colombia had approximately 64% possession, compared with 36% for DR Congo. Colombia also recorded 20 total shots and nine shots on target.
Was Colombia vs. DR Congo a close match?
The final score was close, but Colombia had the statistical advantage. It controlled 64% of possession and produced 20 shots, while DR Congo managed seven. The Congolese defense and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi nevertheless kept the match competitive until the 76th minute.
Conclusion
Colombia vs. DR Congo ended 1-0, with Daniel Muñoz scoring the decisive goal in the 76th minute. Colombia controlled most of the match and created more chances, while DR Congo relied on disciplined defending and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi’s saves.
The victory gave Colombia six points from its opening two Group K matches and secured its place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. For DR Congo, the narrow defeat left the team needing a strong result in its remaining group fixture.
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