Colombia beat Congo DR 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group K.

The match took place on 24 June 2026 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group K. Both teams entered the encounter looking to collect early points, with the South American side fielding a disciplined lineup and the Central African side eager to make an impact on their World Cup debut. The atmosphere was lively, and the stakes were clear – a win would give a vital advantage in the tightly contested group.

How it unfolded

The first half progressed without major incidents, each side probing for openings while maintaining defensive shape. The breakthrough in the narrative arrived in the second half when, in the 56th minute, Colombian defender Jhon Lucumí was shown a yellow card for a bad foul, momentarily disrupting Colombia’s rhythm but leaving them with eleven men.

Four minutes later, the deadlock was finally broken. In the 76th minute, Daniel Muñoz struck from the right side of the box, unleashing a left-footed shot that curled into the bottom right corner. The goal was set up by an incisive pass from Juan Fernando Quintero, whose vision created the space for Muñoz to fire past the Congo DR goalkeeper. The strike gave Colombia a 1-0 lead and shifted the momentum in their favour, forcing Congo DR to chase the game in the closing stages.

As the match entered injury time, tension rose. In the third minute of added time (90'+3'), Congo DR midfielder Charles Pickel received a yellow card, his first booking of the night. The following minute (90'+4') saw Colombian centre-back Jefferson Lerma cautioned for a bad foul, adding a second yellow for the hosts. Both cautions came as the teams sought to manage the final moments, but the scoreline remained unchanged, securing a narrow Colombian victory.

Standout performers

  • Daniel Muñoz – The goal scorer, whose composed finish in the 76th minute proved decisive.
  • Juan Fernando Quintero – The creator of the opening goal, delivering the key assist that unlocked the Congo DR defence.

Match facts

  • Final score: Colombia 1-0 Congo DR
  • Goal: Daniel Muñoz (76') – assisted by Juan Fernando Quintero
  • Yellow cards: Jhon Lucumí (56'), Charles Pickel (90'+3'), Jefferson Lerma (90'+4')
  • Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara

What it means

The result leaves both Colombia and Congo DR to continue their World Cup 2026 group-stage campaigns in Group K. Each side will look to build on the performance and gather the points needed to advance to the knockout rounds.