World Cup
2:00 AMJune 24, 2026
Group Stage – 2
Estadio Akron
Referee: Maurizio Mariani, Italy
Colombia
Congo DR
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1.03
Expected goals (xG)
0.39
Passing
473 (88%)
Accurate passes
224 (75%)
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12
G
Camilo Vargas
17
D
Johan Mojica
D
Jhon Lucumí
56′ Roughing
23
D
Davinson Sánchez
D
Daniel Muñoz
76′
11
M
Jhon Arias
M
Jefferson Lerma
90+4′ Roughing
14
M
Gustavo Puerta
7
F
Luis Díaz
25
F
Luis Javier Suárez
10
F
James Rodríguez (C)
Substitutes
19
F
Cucho Hernández
5
M
Kevin Castaño
15
M
Juan Portilla
26
F
Andrés Gómez
8
M
Jorge Carrascal
21
M
Jaminton Campaz
4
D
Santiago Arias
22
D
Deiver Machado
18
D
Willer Ditta
13
D
Yerry Mina
1
G
David Ospina
24
G
Álvaro Montero
M
Richard Ríos
77′ Replaced by J. AriasF
Jhon Córdoba
58′ Replaced by L. SuarezM
Juan Fernando Quintero
76′ 58′ Replaced by J. Rodriguez
1
G
Lionel Mpasi Nzau
26
D
Arthur Masuaku
3
D
Steve Kapuadi
4
D
Axel Tuanzebe
22
D
Chancel Mbemba (C)
2
D
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
25
M
Edo Kayembe
8
M
Samuel Moutoussamy
6
M
Ngal’ayel Mukau
20
F
Yoane Wissa
17
F
Cédric Bakambu
World Cup Standings – Group K
Colombia secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Congo DR at Estadio Akron, thanks to a late header from defender Daniel Muñoz.
This crucial World Cup clash on June 24, 2026, saw Colombia looking to cement their place at the top of the group. Meanwhile, Congo DR aimed to build on their previous solid defensive performances.
Colombia dominated the early exchanges with rapid passing and high pressing. Midfielder Jhon Arias tested the African defense early on, but his low effort lacked the power to beat the goalkeeper.
The South American side controlled the ball for long periods in the first half. However, Congo DR remained disciplined in their defensive shape and limited Colombia to difficult long-range shots.
Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi Nzau stood tall for the African nation. He made several key saves to deny Davinson Sánchez and keep the scores level as the first half drew to a close.
At halftime, Colombia knew they needed more creativity to break down the stubborn Congolese defense. The match remained finely poised, demanding a tactical shift from the South American coaching staff.
The pattern continued in the second half as Colombia pushed forward. Defender Jhon Lucumí received a yellow card in the 56th minute for a heavy challenge during a rare Congolese counter-attack.
To break the deadlock, Colombia introduced playmaker Juan Fernando Quintero. The experienced midfielder immediately injected quality and urgency into the game, pulling the strings from the center of the pitch.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute. Quintero floated a precise cross into the penalty area, and Muñoz guided the ball home with a powerful header to spark wild celebrations.
Congo DR tried to respond late on but struggled to create clear opportunities. Yellow cards for Charles Pickel and Jefferson Lerma marked a tense injury-time period as Colombia held onto their lead.
Colombia dominated the match with 20 total shots and an expected goals rating of 1.03. In contrast, Congo DR managed only eight shots, while Mpasi Nzau finished with eight crucial saves.
This vital win keeps Colombia at the top of their World Cup group with three points. Congo DR must now win their final group fixture to keep their qualification hopes alive.