JUST IN: Colombia breaks the defensive wall of the DRC and achieves its second victory of the 2026 World Cup
International Report:
Governments, analysts, and media outlets are continuing to follow this situation closely as additional details become available.
Daniel Muñoz qualified Colombia to the round of 32 of the World Cup on June 23, sealing a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Group K, after goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi threatened to turn the match into a night of frustration. Muñoz scored the winning goal from the right side of the box in the 75th minute, finally beating Mpasi, who had repeatedly thwarted Colombia with an inspired performance. Colombia, which had made its World Cup debut with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, dominated possession and created numerous chances. James Rodríguez, who played his tenth game in a World Cup – thus equaling the Colombian record shared by Freddy Rincón and Carlos Valderrama – forced Mpasi to intervene with a powerful shot in the 11th minute. The goalkeeper stood firm, repelling the shots of Jhon Arias and winger Luis Díaz, who was about to open the scoring in the 18th minute: he controlled a deep pass inside the area, turned skillfully and shot at goal, but Mpasi stopped him. stopped with his foot. DRC goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, rejects a shot in the duel against Colombia in Group K of the 2026 World Cup. Guadalajara, June 23, 2026. Mpasi was decisive in preventing a larger victory for the South Americans. REUTERS – Raquel Cunha The African team, encouraged by their 1-1 draw in the first match against Portugal, created danger sporadically through Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa, but lacked aim. By halftime, Colombia had taken 15 shots, six of them on goal, and nine of their ten field players had attempted to finish. In the stands, the Democratic Republic of Congo had the support of Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the team’s famous “living statue” fan, who made his World Cup debut after missing the first match against Portugal due to Ebola quarantine measures. Democratic Republic of the Congo fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga poses as hero Patrice Lumumba before the match against Colombia. Guadalajara, June 23, 2026. REUTERS – Eloisa Sanchez Colombia came out strong again after the break: Díaz forced Mpasi to make another great save in the 51st minute, before Arias sent the rebound wide. Wissa almost put the Democratic Republic of the Congo ahead in the 73rd minute when his shot, after an assist from Simon Banza, was blocked, but Colombia scored shortly after through Muñoz. Davinson Sánchez, Luis Díaz and Daniel Muñoz celebrate with the Colombian fans after having given Colombia the lead over the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Guadalajara, June 23, 2026. REUTERS – Eloisa Sanchez Later, Díaz thought he had doubled the lead with a shot into the top corner, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Colombia now has six points in two games and has secured a place in the knockout phase, before its last game of the group stage against Portugal, which beat Uzbekistan 5-0 this Tuesday. To display this content from X (Twitter), you must allow audience measurement and advertising cookies. Accept Manage my options Democratic Republic of the Congo remain on one point and will need a good result against Uzbekistan to keep their qualification hopes alive.
International Perspective:
This event is already generating discussion among political analysts and international organizations worldwide.
Additional reactions from governments and international institutions are expected as the situation evolves.
More details may emerge as official sources continue releasing new information.
Source: This article was originally published by France 24 – Noticias y actualidad internacional en vivo and adapted for our international English-speaking audience.
Read the original article here.