Image: from FIFA World Cup Stats X @alimo_philip
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Colombia booked their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 1,0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, moving to the top of Group K and putting pressure on Portugal ahead of their decisive final group match.
The South Americans secured their second consecutive victory of the tournament thanks to a late goal from defender Daniel Muñoz, who broke the deadlock in the 76th minute at a crucial stage of the contest.
After a closely contested opening period that ended without goals, Colombia gradually increased the intensity of their attacks and created more dangerous opportunities against a disciplined Congolese defense.
The breakthrough eventually arrived when Josip Muñoz collected the ball inside the area and fired a low shot toward goal. The effort took a decisive deflection off a defender, wrong-footing goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud Mpasi and finding the back of the net.
The goal rewarded Colombia’s persistence and ensured qualification for the Round of 32 with one match still to play.
Portugal now faces a decisive challenge
The result has significant implications for Portugal’s campaign.
Colombia now sits atop Group K with six points from two matches, two points clear of Portugal, who opened their tournament with an emphatic 5,0 victory over Uzbekistan.
As a consequence, the Portuguese national team will need to defeat Colombia in their final group-stage match if they wish to finish first in the group standings.
A draw would still leave Colombia in first place, while Portugal would likely progress as runners-up.
DR Congo eliminated
For the Democratic Republic of Congo, the defeat leaves qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Despite a disciplined defensive performance for much of the match, they were unable to contain Colombia’s growing pressure during the second half.
The Congolese side now faces elimination after failing to collect enough points from their opening fixtures.
Meanwhile, Colombia continues to impress with a balanced combination of defensive solidity and attacking efficiency, emerging as one of the strongest teams in their section.
With qualification already secured, the South Americans can now focus on securing first place, while Portugal prepare for what promises to be one of the most important group-stage encounters of the tournament.