Colombia vs DR Congo: 2026 World Cup Group K Preview
Muñoz fires Colombia into the knockouts with a late 1–0 win over resilient DR Congo in Guadalajara
⚠️ Editorial note: Search results confirm this match has already been played — Colombia defeated DR Congo 1–0 on June 24, 2026 (UTC kickoff per WeeBet live data). The article below is published as a match preview per the brief, reflecting the pre-match picture with a post-match result note at the top.
Result posted: Colombia 1–0 DR Congo (FT, June 24, 2026). Preview content below reflects the pre-match build-up. For live Group K standings, markets, and Round of 32 odds, visit the WeeBet World Cup 2026 hub.
Colombia vs DR Congo: Group K Showdown at Estadio Guadalajara
Colombia entered this 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K fixture against DR Congo on June 24, 2026 (02:00 UTC, Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan) as clear favourites — and delivered.
Daniel Muñoz scored for the second successive game as Colombia booked their place in the World Cup last 32 with a 1–0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Colombia were favored going in based on FIFA ranking, squad depth, and their earlier Group K form, with the markets pricing them as the dominant side. For live markets on the knockout stage draw and Colombia's Round of 32 odds, track everything in real time at the WeeBet World Cup 2026 hub and the live match page.
- Colombia xG0.00Opta
- DR Congo xG0.00Opta
- Colombia shots0Colombia
- DR Congo saves0Mpasi
- Goal (76')D. MuñozColombia
Group K Context: Colombia's Stakes
Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup ran from June 17 to 27, 2026, featuring Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.
Colombia arrived at this fixture having already beaten Uzbekistan in their opener.
In that first match, Daniel Muñoz gave Colombia the lead with a volley from six yards out; Luis Díaz then restored the lead after Uzbekistan equalised, before substitute Jaminton Campaz completed a 3–1 win.
Colombia could secure top spot in Group K with a draw against Portugal in their final group match, while DR Congo would likely need a win to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
Colombia: Form, Tactics, and Key Players
After missing the 2022 tournament, Colombia returned to the global stage with renewed focus. Ranked 13th by FIFA entering June 2026, Los Cafeteros transformed into one of the most formidable international sides.
Colombia navigated CONMEBOL qualifying with a third-place finish, securing 28 points from 18 matches — a campaign highlighted by historic home victories over Brazil and Argentina, finishing as the second-highest scoring team in South America with 28 goals.
Coach Néstor Lorenzo built a side with genuine depth at every position.
The squad blends the seasoned leadership of 34-year-old James Rodríguez with the explosive prime of Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz.
Now 29 and at the peak of his career, Díaz registered 26 goals and 19 assists across all competitions for Bayern Munich in 2025–26.
At full-back,
Daniel Muñoz cemented his reputation at Crystal Palace, playing a key role as the club won the FA Cup in 2025.
Muñoz kick-started Colombia's World Cup campaign by scoring in the 3–1 win over Uzbekistan, and became only the fourth Colombian player to score in consecutive World Cup appearances — the first since Yerry Mina in 2018.
In midfield,
Richard Rios had the chance to showcase his talents alongside Jefferson Lerma, who provides defensive cover and ball-winning throughout the park.
DR Congo: The Leopards' Historic Return
DR Congo made only their second-ever World Cup appearance since 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire.
In those original 1974 group matches, the then-Zaire side lost all three with a goal difference of 0–14.
This 2026 squad is built very differently.
Yoane Wissa, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Noah Sadiki, and Axel Tuanzebe all played 2025–26 in the Premier League, while Cédric Bakambu brings 21 international goals from Real Betis.
Coach Sébastien Desabre built the team on defensive discipline and rapid counterattacks, operating primarily in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, prioritising structure over possession.
Captain Chancel Mbemba is the undisputed leader of the squad — the Lille centre-back earned over 100 caps since his international debut in 2012.
DR Congo entered Matchday 2 on the back of a creditable result.
They held Portugal to a 1–1 draw in their opener on June 17 in Houston.
Yoane Wissa's header in first-half added time gave DR Congo their first-ever World Cup finals goal.
How the Match Played Out
Colombia dominated from the first whistle.
Edo Kayembe fired a shot over the bar for DR Congo in the opening minutes, but it was a rare foray as Colombia piled on eight shots in the opening 20 minutes alone.
The decisive difference was DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
Despite a superlative performance from Mpasi, who made eight saves in the match, Colombia managed to eke out the victory after a goal from Daniel Muñoz in the 76th minute.
Colombia broke the deadlock in the 76th minute: Jhon Córdoba allowed Juan Fernando Quintero's pass to roll through to Muñoz, whose shot deflected off Steve Kapuadi and into the bottom-left corner.
There was late drama as Díaz saw two goals ruled out — first for a foul, then for offside — before Camilo Vargas went full stretch to tip Nathanaël Mbuku's long-range strike around the post in the 91st minute.
Colombia vs DR Congo — Match Metrics (June 24, 2026)
| Metric | Colombia | DR Congo |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 0 |
| xG | 1.03 | 0.39 |
| Shots | 20 | 8 |
| GK Saves | — | 8 (Mpasi) |
| Group K points (after MD2) | 6 — qualified | 1 — must win MD3 |
What the Markets Say — and What Comes Next
Colombia's win confirmed their spot in the Round of 32.
The result took Colombia to six points, sealing qualification to the knockout stage of the World Cup.
They will face Portugal in a final-day Group K decider on June 27 at Miami Stadium, while DR Congo will fight to keep their World Cup hopes alive on the same day against Uzbekistan at Atlanta Stadium.
DR Congo remain third with one point from two games and can still qualify should they beat Uzbekistan in their final match.
Pre-match, markets priced Colombia as comfortable favourites given their FIFA ranking (13th), their squad quality, and DR Congo's status as heavy underdogs in their first World Cup since 1974. The 1–0 scoreline, while tight, was reflective of the xG data. For live updated odds on Colombia vs Portugal (June 27) and DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, including win markets, Asian handicap lines, and group qualification contracts, visit the WeeBet World Cup 2026 hub and the Colombia vs DR Congo live page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did Colombia vs DR Congo kick off at the 2026 World Cup?
According to WeeBet live data, the fixture kicked off at 02:00 UTC on June 24, 2026, at Estadio Guadalajara (Zapopan, Mexico), as part of the Group K schedule.
Who scored Colombia's winning goal against DR Congo?
In the 76th minute, Daniel Muñoz scored the only goal of the game with a low finish from the right that was deflected and went in at the near post.
What does the result mean for DR Congo's World Cup prospects?
DR Congo will fight to keep their World Cup hopes alive on June 27 against Uzbekistan at Atlanta Stadium.
A win would give them a chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed sides.
Who stood out for DR Congo despite the defeat?
Néstor Lorenzo's Colombia side recorded 20 shots worth 1.03 xG while restricting DR Congo to 0.39 xG from eight attempts
— a testament to goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, whose eight saves kept the score respectable and the result in doubt until the 76th minute.
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