Daniel Munoz avoided Colombia’s embarrassment with a second-half winner as the South Americans won 1-0 over DR Congo and booked their place in the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup in Guadalajara on Tuesday.

After dominating possession and creating several chances, Colombia looked set for a disappointing night against a strong DR Congo side inspired by goalkeeper Lionel Mapasi. But Munoz finally broke the deadlock in the 76th minute to send Nestor Lorenzo’s side into the knockout rounds with a game remaining.

Colombia vs DR Congo, FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights

The result took Colombia to six points from two group matches, ensuring qualification regardless of results elsewhere. Portugal, who defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier in the day, also advanced, setting up a battle between the two sides for top spot in the group.

For DR Congo, defeat was a brutal outcome after an organized and disciplined demonstration. They remain on one point but have a real chance of progressing if they beat Uzbekistan in their final group-stage match.

Colombia arrived in Guadalajara full of confidence after a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in the opening match and immediately threw themselves into the contest. James Rodriguez orchestrated attacks from midfield, Luis Diaz provided a constant threat down the flanks and Jhon Arias repeatedly found space in dangerous areas.

Yet, despite all its control, Colombia found itself repeatedly outgunned by the Mapasi.

The DR Congo goalkeeper made several excellent saves to keep the score level. He reacted sharply to block James’ effort from inside the box, stood firm against Diaz and then frustrated Arias as Colombia’s pressure increased. With each save, Congolese players grew in confidence while Colombia grew more anxious heading into the game.

DR Congo rarely threatened for sustained periods, but remained dangerous on the counter-attack. They played strong defense, effectively closing down passing lanes and forcing Columbia to look for open spaces that never came.

As the match progressed, Colombia’s dominance began to look like a waste.

The breakthrough finally came when Juan Quintero unlocked the defense with a clever pass into the path of Munoz. Timing his run perfectly, the defender burst into the penalty area and fired a low effort towards the near post. A slight deflection allowed the ball to escape Mapasi and into the net, overcoming notable resistance from the goalkeeper.

The goal brought more relief than celebration among the Colombian players, who knew they had been made to work harder than expected.

DR Congo attempted to respond late, but Colombia easily managed the closing stages and preserved their slight advantage to make it back-to-back wins in the tournament.

While Munoz delivered the decisive moment, much of the post-match discussion is likely to focus on Mapasi’s performance. The goalkeeper made eight saves and was the primary reason the competition survived for so long.

The win continues Colombia’s impressive World Cup trend. They have now advanced beyond the group stage in each of their last three tournament appearances, also reaching the knockout rounds in 2014 and 2018.

Munoz also etched his name in Colombian World Cup history. He became only the second Colombian defender to score multiple goals in a World Cup, joining Yerry Mina, who scored three goals during the 2018 tournament in Russia.

Qualification may now be secure, but Colombia will know there are tough tests ahead. Against Portugal, they are likely to get fewer chances than against DR Congo and will need to be far more clinical if they are to establish themselves as genuine contenders in the knockout stage.

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