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Daniel Munoz guided Colombia to the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds after a determined 1-0 win over DR Congo in Guadalajara — a result that Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal could not achieve in their opener. The Crystal Palace defender was once again the difference-maker, scoring his second goal of the tournament to maintain Colombia’s perfect start in Group K.

Munoz breaks the deadlock in Guadalajara

While Ronaldo and Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by the same opponents earlier, Nestor Lorenzo’s Colombian side found the breakthrough they needed. The decisive moment came in the 76th minute when Munoz, playing as an adventurous wing-back, saw his shot deflect off Steve Kapuadi and beyond the inspired DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. The goal was just reward for Colombia’s dominance, as they controlled possession and unleashed 20 attempts on goal throughout the match.

The win secures Colombia’s position atop Group K with six points from two games. Speaking after the match to Colombian television, as quoted by Reuters, Munoz emphasised teamwork: “Just because I scored the goal doesn't mean I'm the hero. I belong to everyone; we’re all in this together. We secured the three points as a team, as Colombia; here, we’re one family.” This unity has propelled the South Americans into the last 32 with one match remaining, setting up a high-stakes contest with Portugal to decide the group leader.

Mpasi’s brilliance almost denies Colombia

DR Congo came close to securing another upset thanks to an outstanding display from goalkeeper Mpasi. The Le Havre custodian pulled off several world-class saves, denying Luis Diaz and Jhon Arias multiple times. By halftime, Colombia had already fired 15 shots, six of them on target, with nearly every outfield player contributing to the attack. Munoz thought he had opened the scoring in the sixth minute, but his goal was ruled offside by the slimmest of margins after he bundled in a rebound. The frustration continued into the second half when Diaz saw a powerful strike disallowed by the linesman as Colombia pushed relentlessly for a breakthrough.

Lorenzo commends tactical patience and variety

Colombia’s manager Nestor Lorenzo praised his players for the discipline and tactical awareness they displayed against a DR Congo side that had recently held Portugal. The introduction of Juan Quintero for James Rodriguez proved decisive, with Quintero’s creativity unlocking the Congolese defence and eventually leading to Munoz’s winner. Controlling the tempo was essential, as DR Congo sat back and looked to exploit counter-attacks through Newcastle United’s Yoane Wissa and Real Betis forward Cedric Bakambu. After the match, Lorenzo explained: “Against a team like that, you have to find the spaces between the lines. If you play too predictably, they press you and hit you on the counter-attack.”

DR Congo face a battle to stay alive

The defeat leaves DR Congo third in Group K with only one point, making their upcoming clash against Uzbekistan in Atlanta a must-win encounter. Despite the loss, the Leopards showed admirable determination, with Edo Kayembe posing occasional threats, though their final pass lacked precision. Colombia’s advancement allows them some flexibility to rotate in their final group game against Portugal, but the incentive of finishing first — and securing a potentially easier route in the knockout rounds — remains strong for Lorenzo’s men.