Colombia 1-0 Congo DR: Daniel Muñoz seals win

Colombia defeated Congo DR 1-0 in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K play on Tuesday, June 23, with Daniel Muñoz’s 76th-minute goal finally separating the sides in Guadalajara. After a goalless first half, Colombia’s pressure told late as they secured three valuable points at Estadio Akron.

For long stretches, this was a match played on Colombia’s terms. They controlled 63.6 percent of possession, finished with 20 shots and forced the issue repeatedly, but Congo DR stayed compact and disciplined through the opening hour. The first half ended 0-0, with Colombia circulating the ball patiently while looking for openings in the wide areas and between the lines.

Congo DR had to absorb sustained pressure, and their resistance kept the fixture level well into the second half. Colombia continued to push, however, and their territorial control was backed up by nine shots on target and five corners. Jhon Lucumí’s yellow card on 56 minutes was one of the few moments that broke Colombia’s rhythm as the contest became more physical in midfield.

The breakthrough arrived in the 76th minute, when Daniel Muñoz stepped up with the decisive goal to make it 1-0. It was the reward Colombia had been building toward all evening, with the full-back providing the finish that finally beat the Congo DR defence. From there, Colombia managed the closing stages with maturity, even as Congo DR searched for a late route back into the match.

Congo DR could point to their organisation and commitment, but they struggled to turn defensive work into sustained attacking pressure. They finished with just 36.4 percent possession, eight shots and only one effort on target, numbers that reflected how difficult it was to unsettle Colombia. A late yellow card for Charles Pickel in stoppage time underlined the strain of their chasing effort, while Jefferson Lerma also went into the book at 90+4′ as Colombia saw out the result.

Key performers

Muñoz was the obvious match-winner, arriving with perfect timing to score the only goal on 76 minutes. Behind him, Colombia’s overall structure stood out just as much. Lucumí and the back line kept Congo DR to a single shot on target, while the midfield platform allowed Colombia to sustain attacks and pin their opponents deep for much of the night.

For Congo DR, the positives came from their defensive shape and resilience. They remained level through 75 minutes against a side that kept the ball well and created a steady stream of openings. Even so, they could not quite find the attacking threat needed to turn a stubborn display into a point.

NerdSports Stat: Colombia recorded 20 shots to Congo DR’s 8 and still needed a defender, Daniel Muñoz, to provide the breakthrough — a sign of just how patient they had to be against a compact low block.

This result leaves Colombia in a strong position in Group K with a 2-0-0 record, while Congo DR drop to 0-1-1 and will need a response in their next fixture to stay firmly in the qualification picture. On a World Cup matchday where experience and composure have been a recurring theme across the tournament, Colombia showed both, finding the decisive moment late and taking another important step toward the knockout rounds.

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