FIFA World Cup 2026: Colombia beat Congo 1-0 to seal Round of 32 spot
Synopsis
Colombia needed every ounce of persistence to break down a stubborn Congo side, with Daniel Munoz's deflected second-half strike finally doing the damage. Two wins from two in Group K, a perfect record intact — and now Portugal awaits. This is Colombia's tournament to lose.
Key Takeaways
Colombia defeated Congo 1-0 at Guadalajara Stadium on Wednesday in Group K of the FIFA World Cup 2026 .
Daniel Munoz scored the only goal — a deflected second-half strike — his second goal of the tournament.
Colombia have two wins from two and have qualified for the Round of 32 with one group game remaining.
Colombia's next match is against Portugal , one of the most anticipated group-stage fixtures.
Congo remain in contention: they can still advance if they beat Uzbekistan and results elsewhere go their way.
Luis Diaz had two goals ruled out for offside as Colombia were repeatedly frustrated before Munoz's winner.
Colombia secured their place in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a game to spare, grinding out a 1-0 victory over Congo in Group K at Guadalajara Stadium on Wednesday. The win gives Colombia a perfect two-from-two record in the group stage, with a blockbuster clash against Portugal still to come.
The Decisive Moment
Daniel Munoz was the hero, breaking the deadlock in the second half with a deflected strike after intelligent hold-up play from substitute Jhon Cordoba. The goal ended a prolonged battle against Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who had been in exceptional form throughout the contest. Munoz has now scored two goals at FIFA World Cup 2026, matching the tally he registered at the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024.
How Colombia Dominated — And Were Frustrated
The first half was largely Colombia's, with James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz, and Gustavo Puerta all testing Mpasi, who repeatedly kept his side in the match. Munoz himself saw a bundled rebound disallowed for offside before finally finding the net in the second period. Diaz had two further goals chalked off for offside as Colombia pressed relentlessly.
Congo's best first-half moment came when Arthur Masuaku's raking cross narrowly evaded Yoane Wissa — who had scored an equaliser against Portugal on Matchday 1 — by the narrowest of margins. Edo Kayembe also tested the waters with a long-range effort that sailed wide.
Congo's Path Still Open
Despite the defeat, Congo are not yet eliminated. They can still advance to the Round of 32 if they beat Uzbekistan in their final group game and results elsewhere fall in their favour. The DR Congo side showed enough resilience and attacking intent to suggest they will not go down without a fight in that decider.
What's Next for Colombia
Colombia's reward for topping Group K at this stage is a date with Portugal — widely regarded as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage. Having already demonstrated defensive solidity and creative depth, Colombia will enter that match with momentum and confidence. The group's final standings will be confirmed after all Matchday 3 games conclude.
Point of View
But the manner of this win reveals both their quality and their vulnerability. Mpasi's heroics exposed a Colombia side that can dominate possession and territory yet struggle to convert — a concern that will matter far more against Portugal. Munoz's two-goal tournament tally is a bonus from an unlikely source, but the real test is whether James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz can find clinical edge when the knockout pressure intensifies. Congo, meanwhile, showed enough to suggest African representation in this World Cup is not merely ceremonial.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Colombia qualify for the Round of 32 at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Yes. Colombia qualified for the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a game to spare after beating Congo 1-0 in Group K on Wednesday at Guadalajara Stadium. They have won both their group-stage matches so far.
Who scored for Colombia against Congo?
Daniel Munoz scored the only goal of the match — a deflected second-half strike set up by substitute Jhon Cordoba's hold-up play. It is Munoz's second goal at FIFA World Cup 2026, matching his tally from the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024.
Who is Colombia's next opponent in FIFA World Cup 2026?
Colombia will face Portugal in their final Group K match, a fixture widely anticipated as one of the standout games of the group stage. Colombia enter that match having already secured qualification.
Can Congo still qualify for the Round of 32?
Yes. Congo can still advance if they beat Uzbekistan in their final group game and results elsewhere go in their favour. They are not yet eliminated from FIFA World Cup 2026.
What was the standout performance in the Colombia vs Congo match?
Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi delivered a standout individual display, making saves from James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz, Gustavo Puerta, and Jhon Arias to keep his side in the contest until Munoz finally beat him with a deflected strike late in the second half.
