Colombia Break Down DR Congo's Resistance to Secure Knockout Spot

DR Congo arrived with a clear game plan: defend deep, stay compact, and frustrate their opponents—much like they had done against Portugal. This time, however, the strategy was not enough to earn a result.
Colombia dominated possession and repeatedly tested the African side's back line throughout the contest. The standout performer for DR Congo was undoubtedly their goalkeeper, who produced an impressive eight saves to keep his team in the match for long periods.
Yet even his heroics could not prevent the decisive moment. After withstanding relentless pressure, DR Congo finally conceded the goal that settled the encounter, allowing Colombia to claim another vital victory at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
World Cup 2026
Colombia - DR Congo 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Muñoz D., 76 (1:0)
Colombia: Vargas C.; Muñoz D.; Lucumí; Mojica; Davinson Sanchez; Puerta; Lerma; Luis Díaz; Arias J. (Ríos, 77); Rodríguez J. (Quintero Ju., 58); Suárez L.J. (Cordoba J., 58)
Substitution: Quintero Ju. (from 58); Cordoba J. (from 58); Ríos (from 77)
Bench: Ospina; Montero Á.; Arias S.; Mina; Machado D.; Castaño; Portilla; Carrascal; Campaz; Gomez A.; Cucho
Yellow Cards: Lucumí 56; Lerma 90
DR Congo: Mpasi; Kapuadi; Tuanzebe; Mbemba; Kayembe E. (Pickel, 72); Masuaku (Kayembe J., 72); Mukau (Sadiki, 46); Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy (Mbuku, 82); Bakambu (Banza, 57); Wissa Y.
Substitution: Sadiki (from 46); Banza (from 57); Pickel (from 72); Kayembe J. (from 72); Mbuku (from 82)
Bench: Fayulu; Epolo; Batubinsika; Kalulu; Kakuta; Tshibola; Cipenga Brian; Bongonda; Elia; Mayele
Yellow Cards: Pickel 90
