Daniel Muñoz decides as Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0 in Zapopan
A 76th-minute Daniel Muñoz goal, set up by Quintero, hands Colombia a perfect record and top spot in Group K.
Colombia edged DR Congo 1-0 at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan, the modern Mexican venue holding 45,664 spectators, in a second-round Group K clash at the 2026 World Cup. Néstor Lorenzo's Tricolor claimed their second win of the tournament and climbed to the top of the group with a perfect record.
The match was tight and short on chances, with a well-organised DR Congo forcing Colombia to be patient. The Colombian persistence eventually paid off late in the game, when Néstor Lorenzo's side found the opening they had been seeking.
The decisive goal arrived in the 76th minute. Daniel Muñoz, a full-back turned hero, finished off a Juan Fernando Quintero pass to make it 1-0 and spark joy among the Colombian fans who travelled to Jalisco. Sébastien Desabre had brought on Cédric Bakambu and other reinforcements to chase a surprise, but DR Congo could not beat the Colombian goalkeeper.
The contest had its edge in the duels, as the bookings showed: Colombia's Jhon Lucumí (56') and Jefferson Lerma (90') were cautioned, while DR Congo's Charles Pickel (90') saw yellow. The Colombian defence managed the late siege to keep a clean sheet.
With this win, Colombia move on to six points out of six and lead Group K with authority, putting one foot in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. DR Congo are left on one point and must win on the final matchday. The group closes on 27 June: Colombia face Portugal for top spot and DR Congo chase qualification against Uzbekistan.