Muñoz strike gives Colombia narrow win over Congo DR

In a match that pitted South American flair against African resilience, Colombia emerged with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Congo DR in Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game, played at a neutral venue, was a tale of Colombian dominance against a Congolese side that refused to buckle until the final whistle. Daniel Muñoz's 76th-minute strike, assisted by the ever-creative Juan Fernando Quintero, was the difference, but the scoreline flattered the visitors, who were pinned back for long spells.

Summary

Colombia entered the match on the back of a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, while Congo DR had drawn 1-1 with Portugal after an opening defeat. The South Americans dominated possession from the outset, controlling 64% of the ball and creating a flurry of chances. However, Congo DR's goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi Nzau was in inspired form, making eight saves to keep his side in the contest. The deadlock was finally broken when Muñoz latched onto Quintero's pass and finished calmly past Nzau. Congo DR pushed for an equalizer but managed only one shot on target all game, which was comfortably saved by Colombia's keeper. The win puts Colombia top of Group K with six points, while Congo DR remain third with one point.

Key Moments

The first half saw Colombia create several opportunities, with Jhon Arias and Davinson Sánchez both testing Nzau from distance. The best chance fell to Muñoz, who saw his effort blocked by a desperate Congolese defender. Congo DR's only real threat came from a set piece, but they failed to trouble the Colombian goal. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Colombia increasing the pressure. The breakthrough arrived in the 76th minute when Quintero slipped a perfectly weighted pass through the defense, and Muñoz, timing his run to perfection, slotted the ball past the advancing Nzau. The goal sparked a flurry of yellow cards as tensions rose: Jhon Lucumí had been booked earlier for a tactical foul, while Congo DR's Charles Pickel and Colombia's Jefferson Lerma both saw yellow in stoppage time for late challenges. Congo DR's best chance came deep into added time, but a last-ditch block preserved Colombia's clean sheet.

Match Analysis

Colombia's tactical approach was clear: dominate possession and suffocate Congo DR's midfield. Their 540 passes, with an 88% accuracy rate, allowed them to control the tempo and wear down the opposition. The wide areas were key, with full-backs overlapping to create overloads. Quintero's role as the creative hub was evident, as he provided two key passes and the assist. Defensively, Colombia were solid, limiting Congo DR to just four shots inside the box and an expected goals (xG) of 0.39. The visitors, by contrast, struggled to build attacks, managing only 298 passes and a 75% accuracy. Their game plan relied on counter-attacks and set pieces, but Colombia's high line and aggressive pressing nullified these threats. The seven offsides called against Colombia suggest a high-risk defensive line that could have been exploited, but Congo DR lacked the pace to capitalize.

Player Performances

Daniel Muñoz (Colombia, rating 7.6) was the match-winner, scoring the only goal and registering one shot on target. His intelligent movement and timing were crucial. Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Arias both earned 7.3 ratings, with Sánchez contributing a shot on target and a key pass, while Arias also had a shot on target and a key pass. Juan Fernando Quintero (7.2) was the architect, providing the assist and two key passes. Jhon Lucumí (7.2) was solid at the back despite his yellow card. For Congo DR, Lionel Mpasi Nzau (7.3) was the standout performer, making eight saves to keep his team in the game. Without his heroics, the scoreline could have been far more emphatic.

Key Stats

• Possession: Colombia 64% - 36% Congo DR
• Total Shots: Colombia 20 - 8 Congo DR
• Shots on Goal: Colombia 9 - 1 Congo DR
• Goalkeeper Saves: Colombia 1 - 8 Congo DR
• Expected Goals (xG): Colombia 1.03 - 0.39 Congo DR
• Passes: Colombia 540 (88% accuracy) - 298 (75% accuracy)
• Fouls: Colombia 12 - 16 Congo DR
• Offsides: Colombia 7 - 0 Congo DR

The statistics underline Colombia's dominance, particularly in shot creation and ball retention. The seven offsides are a minor blemish, indicating a tendency to push too early, but overall, the performance was controlled.

What This Means

Colombia now sit top of Group K with six points from two games, having won both matches by a combined score of 4-1. Their goal difference of +3 is the best in the group, giving them a strong platform for qualification. Congo DR, with one point from two games, are third, level on points with Portugal but behind on goal difference. The defeat leaves them with work to do, but their defensive resilience, particularly through Nzau, suggests they can still compete. The group remains wide open, with Colombia looking the team to beat.

What Happens Next

Colombia will look to continue their winning form when they face their next opponents in the group stage, while Congo DR will need to regroup and aim for a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive. The fixtures page has the full schedule, and the standings show the current group dynamics. For more on Colombia's campaign, visit the team page, and for Congo DR, check their page.