World Cup 2026: Muñoz breaks DR Congo’s resistance late on

DR Congo lost 1-0 to Colombia in Guadalajara on 23 June, in their second Group K match. Daniel Muñoz scored the only goal in the 76th minute after a goalless first half. The Leopards remain on one point following their opening draw against Portugal.

Lionel Mpasi kept the teams level for much of the contest. The PA report published by ESPN describes saves from Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez and Gustavo Puerta before the interval, followed by a stop from Luis Díaz early in the second half. Colombia had already produced a succession of attempts in the opening minutes.

The breakthrough followed Colombia’s substitutions in the 58th minute: Juan Quintero replaced Rodríguez, while Jhon Córdoba came on for Luis Suárez. FIFA credits Quintero with the assist for Muñoz’s goal. PA describes a deflected shot that beat Mpasi at his near post.

Sébastien Desabre retained the starting eleven used against Portugal, with Chancel Mbemba as captain. Noah Sadiki replaced Ngalayel Mukau at half-time, and Simon Banza took over from Cédric Bakambu in the 57th minute. Nathanaël Mbuku, introduced in the 82nd minute, tested Camilo Vargas in added time, according to PA.

The official figures confirm the difference in attacking volume: Colombia registered twenty attempts, nine on target, against Congo’s seven attempts and two on target. Possession stood at 63 per cent for Colombia and 37 per cent for Congo. Despite that imbalance, the margin remained narrow until the final whistle.

Colombia secure a place in the round of 32, according to PA. The Leopards now face a decisive final group match: they need a victory against Uzbekistan to keep their hopes of continuing in the tournament alive. This defeat does not itself mean elimination.