Colombia clinches round of 32 spot with narrow victory over DR Congo as group K race intensifies

Colombia booked its place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo

Colombia booked its place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo in their Group K encounter. The South American side maintained its perfect start to the tournament and became the first team from the group to guarantee progression to the knockout stage.

The decisive moment came in the 76th minute when defender Daniel Muñoz found the breakthrough after a determined Colombian attacking display. His goal finally beat DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who had produced a series of outstanding saves throughout the match and was widely regarded as one of the game’s standout performers.

For much of the contest, Mpasi frustrated Colombia’s forwards with several crucial interventions. Jhon Arias and Luis Díaz both tested the goalkeeper repeatedly, while Díaz came particularly close to scoring during the first half after expertly controlling a chipped pass inside the penalty area. Despite Colombia’s dominance in possession and chances created, DR Congo’s defensive resilience kept the score level until the closing stages.

The victory moves Colombia to six points from its opening two matches in Group K, ensuring qualification for the knockout rounds with one group match still to play. Under coach Néstor Lorenzo, the team has displayed consistency and discipline, positioning itself as one of the stronger contenders in the tournament so far.

Group K also includes Portugal and Uzbekistan. Earlier in the day, Portugal delivered an impressive performance by defeating Uzbekistan 5-0, significantly boosting its goal difference and strengthening its qualification prospects.

With Colombia already through, attention now turns to the final round of group matches. Colombia and Portugal will face each other on June 27 in a match that will likely determine which team finishes at the top of the group. A victory or draw for Portugal would guarantee its place in the Round of 32, as the top two teams from each group automatically advance.

Portugal currently controls its own destiny. If the European side avoids defeat against Colombia, qualification will be secured regardless of other results. However, a loss could create a more complicated situation depending on the outcome of the match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan.

DR Congo remains in contention despite the defeat. The African nation has collected one point from two matches and must achieve a positive result against Uzbekistan to keep its hopes alive. A victory could potentially lift DR Congo into second place, depending on the outcome of the Portugal-Colombia clash.

Should Portugal lose and DR Congo win, both teams could finish level on four points. In that scenario, FIFA’s tiebreaking criteria would come into play, with overall goal difference serving as the first separator. Portugal’s commanding 5-0 win over Uzbekistan has given it a substantial advantage in that regard, while DR Congo currently faces a deficit. The Congolese side would likely need a convincing victory to overcome that gap.

Even if Portugal slips to third place, qualification may still remain within reach. The tournament format allows the eight best third-placed teams across all groups to advance to the Round of 32. Therefore, a strong goal difference could prove crucial in determining the final standings.

As the group stage nears its conclusion, Colombia has already secured its ticket to the knockout rounds, while Portugal, DR Congo and Uzbekistan continue battling for the remaining qualification spots in what promises to be a dramatic finish to Group K.