World Cup – Muñoz scores, Colombia 1-0 Democratic Republic of Congo, temporarily topping their group.

In the second round of Group K in the 2026 World Cup, Colombia defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 at the Akron Stadium in Mexico. With two wins and 6 points, they currently top the group and have already secured their place in the Round of 32.

At the start of the first half, Colombia launched an early attack. In the 3rd minute, John Arias' shot forced a poor save from Lionel Mpasi, but Daniel Muñoz's follow-up shot hit the side netting. In the 6th minute, Muñoz scored two consecutive headers against the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the linesman raised his flag for offside. In the 10th minute, Luis Diaz passed the ball down the left wing, and James Rodriguez's long-range shot was saved by Mpasi. Rodriguez then took a corner from the right, and John Lukumi's header at the far post went over the crossbar.

In the 15th minute, Arias delivered a lobbed pass from the attacking third, and Diaz's powerful shot after cutting inside was saved by Mpasi. In the 18th minute, Jefferson Lerma passed the ball down the left wing, and Gustavo Puerta unleashed a long-range shot, which was again saved by Mpasi. Colombia's attacking momentum gradually slowed down afterward, and the score remained 0-0 at halftime.

After the break, Colombia maintained control of the game. In the 49th minute, Rodriguez delivered a long cross from the right wing, and Diaz's low shot inside the box was saved by Mpasi. Arias then followed up with a shot, which ultimately went just wide of the post. In the 75th minute, Juan Quintero played a through ball from the edge of the box, and Muñoz followed up with a low shot to give Colombia a 1-0 lead.

In the 78th minute, Diaz fouled Shancel Mbemba and chipped the ball over Mpasi to score, but the goal was disallowed due to a prior foul. In the 80th minute, Lerma played a through ball from midfield, and Diaz broke into the penalty area and cut inside to score. However, the linesman raised his flag for offside, and Colombia's goal was disallowed once again.

Neither side managed to score again. At the final whistle, Colombia defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0, securing three points.

Image source: Internet