Daniel Munoz breaks Leopards' resistance as Colombia edge DR Congo to seal knockout spot

<h2>2026 Fifa World Cup</h2>

<p>Colombia's James Rodriguez, right, vies for the ball with with DR Congo's Edo Kayembe during their Fifa World Cup match.

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<p>Image: Xinhua via IANS</p>

<p>Colombia finally broke down a stubborn DR Congo side on Tuesday to secure a 1-0 win that guaranteed their place in the <a href="https://iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Fifa World Cup</strong></a> knockout rounds.</p>

<p>Victory in Guadalajara, courtesy of a 76th-minute goal from Daniel Munoz, took them top of Group K with six points — two clear of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal with one fixture remaining in the opening phase. Portugal, held 1-1 by DR Congo in their opening match, earlier hammered Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston, with Ronaldo scoring twice.</p>

<p>Colombian fans turned the Mexican stadium into a vibrant sea of yellow, vastly outnumbering supporters of the African nation. The South Americans, who beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their tournament opener, dominated the early stages, peppering Lionel Mpasi's goal.</p>

<p>Muñoz squandered an early opportunity and shortly afterwards had a goal ruled out for offside, whilst James Rodriguez unleashed a stinging shot that was brilliantly saved as Colombia kept probing. Mpasi made further sharp stops from Johan Mojica and Luis Diaz as the Colombians, playing with pace and invention, continued to dominate.</p>

<p>However, their intensity dipped after the first drinks break, allowing DR Congo to edge back into the contest and pose their own occasional threat. Mpasi made another stunning save with his leg from Diaz in the 50th minute to keep the match goalless.</p>