2026 FIFA World Cup: Daniel Muñoz fires Colombia into knockout stage with win over DR Congo

NEW DELHI: Daniel Muñoz scored the decisive goal as Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0 on Tuesday to become one of the first teams to book a place in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup.The breakthrough was found by the defender in the 76th minute after an even game in Guadalajara. Muñoz’s left-footed effort from inside the box deflected off a defender before finding the back of the net, leaving DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with no chance.It was Muñoz’s second goal of the tournament and was enough to give Colombia their second consecutive Group K victory.Mpasi kept DR Congo in the contest for most of the match with an excellent performance. The goalkeeper made five tough saves in the opening twenty minutes as Colombia dominated possession and created several chances.DR Congo almost grabbed a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time. Nathanael Mbuku tested Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas with a powerful strike from distance, but Vargas produced an excellent save. Moments later, he denied Chancel Mbemba’s header from the ensuing corner to maintain Colombia’s lead.Colombia thought they had sealed the game late on through Luis Díaz, but the Liverpool striker saw two goals ruled out in the space of two minutes. One was banned for a foul and the other for offside.The African side impressed in their opening game, holding Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to a 1-1 draw, but they could not repeat that result against a clinical Colombia side.With six points from two games, Colombia are now top of Group K and have secured a place in the round of 32. Portugal are second after a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, while DR Congo remain on one point.A draw against Portugal in their final group game will be enough for Colombia to finish as group winners.The match also featured the return of famous DR Congo supporter Michel Nkuka Mbolading, popularly known as “Lumumba Vea”. The fan, who became a viral sensation during the Africa Cup of Nations for standing like a statue during matches, attended the match after missing the team’s opening game due to Ebola-related quarantine rules.Colombia, who failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, made an impressive return to the tournament with back-to-back wins. Veteran playmaker James Rodríguez also reached the milestone, joining Colombian greats Freddy Rincón and Carlos Valderrama with 10 World Cup appearances.