World Cup 2026: Colombia battle past DR Congo to reach round of 32

Daniel Munoz fired ⁠Colombia into the World Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday, sealing a 1-0 win over DR Congo in Group K after goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had threatened to turn the match into a night of frustration.

Munoz struck the winner from the right side of the penalty area in the 76th minute, finally beating Mpasi ‌who had repeatedly denied Colombia with an inspired performance.

Colombia, who opened ⁠their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, commanded possession and created numerous chances.

James Rodriguez, making his 10th World Cup ‌appearance to equal the Colombian record jointly held by Freddy Rincon and ⁠Carlos Valderrama, forced Mpasi into action with a powerful strike in the 11th minute.

The goalkeeper stood firm, repelling efforts from Jhon Arias and winger Luis Diaz, who came close to breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute, controlling a ‌chipped pass inside the penalty area, turning smartly, and firing a shot goalwards, only for Mpasi to save with his foot.

The African side, buoyed by their opening 1-1 draw with Portugal, threatened sporadically ‌through Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa but lacked a clinical finish. DR Congo fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as the "living statue" of independence hero Patrice Lumumba, pictured before the match.

By halftime, Colombia had registered 15 shots, including six on target, with nine of their 10 outfield players attempting efforts.

In the stands, DR Congo had support from Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the team's famous "living statue" fan, who made his World Cup debut after missing the opener against Portugal because of Ebola quarantine requirements.

Colombia resumed on the front foot after the break, Diaz forcing another fine save from Mpasi in the 51st minute before Arias dragged the rebound wide.

Wissa almost snatched the lead for DR Congo in the 73rd minute when his shot from Simon Banza's assist was blocked, but Colombia struck shortly after through Munoz.

Diaz later thought he had doubled the advantage with a finish into the top corner, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Colombia moved to six points from two ⁠matches and guaranteed their progress to the knockout stage ahead of their final group game against Portugal, who beat ⁠Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier on Tuesday.

DR Congo remained on one point and will need a result against Uzbekistan to keep their qualification hopes alive.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)