Colombia defeat DR Congo to secure their place in World Cup last 32
Colombia have secured their place in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup after Daniel Munoz’s deflected strike earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo in Guadalajara on Wednesday.
The South Americans dominated proceedings with 20 attempts on goal but were repeatedly frustrated by an inspired performance from opposition goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
It took until the 76th minute for the decisive breakthrough to finally arrive at the Estadio Chivas.
Crystal Palace wing-back Munoz saw his right-footed effort take a heavy deflection after excellent hold-up play by Jhon Cordoba, leaving Mpasi completely stranded.
Mpasi heroics frustrate dominant Colombians
The Central African side had previously survived several major scares, including an early disallowed goal.
Munoz thought he had opened the scoring in the sixth minute when he bundled home a rebound, only to be correctly flagged for an offside infringement.
Mpasi then produced a magnificent save shortly after the interval, making himself incredibly large to deny Luis Diaz from close range.
Jhon Arias immediately seized upon the loose ball but could only smash his resulting shot wide of a gaping net.
Knockout permutations for DR Congo
Despite this narrow defeat, progression to the knockout stages remains entirely within reach for the Leopards.
A crucial victory against Uzbekistan on Sunday will guarantee their progression alongside the current Group K leaders.
Finishing third in the section could potentially set up a fascinating last-32 clash against Thomas Tuchel’s England, provided the Three Lions top their own group.
Liverpool forward Diaz also saw a late thunderbolt ruled out for offside, but Nestor Lorenzo’s men comfortably saw out the closing stages to maintain their perfect record.