Muñoz strike sends Colombia into World Cup knockouts

Daniel Muñoz struck in the 76th minute as Colombia beat Congo DR 1-0 at the 2026 World Cup in Guadalajara on Tuesday night.

The Crystal Palace full-back’s left-footed effort from inside the area deflected off a defender before beating Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. It was Muñoz’s second goal of the tournament and earned him the man of the match award.

Congo DR nearly equalised twice in stoppage time, with Camilo Vargas making a crucial save from a long-range strike by Nathanael Mbuku and then denying Chancel Mbemba’s header from a corner.

Luis Díaz had two goals disallowed late in the second half, one for a foul in the 79th minute and another for offside in the 80th.

Congo DR opened its World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Portugal, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, in Houston.

Colombia now sits on six points from two matches in Group K, two clear of Portugal and five ahead of Congo DR. Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier on Tuesday.

A draw against Portugal on Saturday would secure Colombia top spot in the group and send Portugal through to the knockout stage.

Colombia, ranked 11th in the world, did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup. The team opened the tournament with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.

Congo DR, ranked 47th, faced preparation disruptions due to an Ebola outbreak, with travel restrictions limiting fan attendance.

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known for posing as a statue of Patrice Lumumba, attended the match in Guadalajara despite missing Congo DR’s opener due to quarantine.

Colombia had never previously played a scoreless draw in 23 World Cup appearances before Tuesday’s contest.