Colombia advanced to the next stage of the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Congo on Wednesday, thanks to a 75th-minute goal by Daniel Muñoz. The result secured Colombia's place among the tournament's top 32 and came after the team had missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Néstor Lorenzo's side controlled the match for all 90 minutes, but Congo goalkeeper Lionel Empsi repeatedly frustrated Colombia until Muñoz finally broke through. The defender's goal was his second of the tournament and proved enough to settle a game that had remained tight despite Colombia's clear superiority.
The victory gives Colombia an important boost ahead of its next major test against Portugal. The team entered the tournament aiming to make a statement, and this opening win kept that mission on track.