FIFA World Cup 2026: Munoz fires Colombia into knockout phase

Colombia clinched their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32 after grinding out a win over Congo DR at Guadalajara Stadium.

Congo DR’s Edo Kayembe tested the waters with a long-range effort that sailed wide, but the rest of an electric first half largely belonged to Colombia.

Lionel Mpasi denied Jhon Arias, with Daniel Munoz sending the follow-up into the side netting. Munoz then saw a header saved before bundling in the rebound, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Colombia continued to press as Mpasi saved from James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz and Gustavo Puerta. Congo DR finally threatened late in the half, but Arthur Masuaku’s raking cross narrowly evaded the head of Yoane Wissa, who was inches away from adding to his equalising goal against Portugal on the opening day.

Mpasi was at it again after the restart, making himself big to thwart Diaz at close quarters. The rebound fell to Arias, but his shot through a crowded penalty area went wide.

Colombia’s frustrations were beginning to show when Munoz broke Mpasi’s stubborn resistance, scoring with a deflected strike after intelligent hold-up play from substitute Jhon Cordoba.

Diaz had two goals chalked off for offside as Colombia withstood a late wave of Congo DR pressure to seal a top-two spot in Group K ahead of their meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

Congo DR, meanwhile, could still advance if they beat Uzbekistan and results elsewhere go their way. (FIFA)