Colombia Beat Congo DR 1-0 to Move to Six Points in Group K
Colombia did what they needed to do. A 1-0 win over Congo DR at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, their second Group K victory in a row, lifts Néstor Lorenzo's squad to six points from two matches <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a>. As of June 24, 2026, La Tricolor have all but punched their ticket to the knockout round of the World Cup 2026.
It was not pretty (as of June 24, 2026). After dispatching Uzbekistan 3-1 in the opener, this was a different kind of performance — tight, disciplined, and resolved by the narrowest margin <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a>. One goal was enough. That ability to grind out a result when the attack does not flow is a quality Colombia will need deeper in the tournament.
What the Result Means for Group K
Six points from two games puts Colombia alongside Portugal at the top of Group K <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a> (as of June 24, 2026). Both sides have won their opening two matches. Congo DR and Uzbekistan are eliminated from contention for the top two places <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a>.
The final group game — Selección Colombia vs Portugal — takes place on June 27 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a>. It is a winner-takes-nothing match in terms of qualification. Both teams are through. The only prize on offer is the group's top spot and the more favorable Round-of-16 draw that comes with it (as of June 24, 2026).
The Bigger Picture: Form Coming In
Colombia's recent-form record across their last 10 national-team matches reads 8 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, with 28 goals scored and 11 conceded <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a>. Lorenzo's side has scored in each of their last nine matches in that window — including a 4-0 away win over Mexico, a 6-3 away win over Venezuela, and a 3-1 defeat of Costa Rica at home <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a> (as of June 24, 2026).
The two losses came against serious European opposition: France and Croatia, both at home in March 2026. Those results showed Colombia can be hurt. But they also framed the identity of this team. They attack in numbers and they concede more than a top side should. The 1-0 against Congo DR suggests Lorenzo has added a pragmatic gear.
Key Players to Watch Against Portugal
L. Díaz is the heartbeat. He logged 1,885 national-team minutes over the last 12 months — the most of any outfield player in the squad — with 10 goals and 4 assists across 22 appearances <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a>. At club level with Bayern München, he produced 26 goals and 19 assists in 51 appearances in the same window. He is playing the best football of his career on two fronts (as of June 24, 2026).
J. Rodríguez continues to pull strings. His 9 assists in 23 national-team appearances over the past 12 months lead the squad in chance creation. He had 1,614 NT minutes in that span, and his ability to unlock defenses from set pieces or open play remains Colombia's most distinctive weapon (as of June 24, 2026).
In defense, J. Lucumí anchored the backline with 1,743 NT minutes across 19 appearances in the trailing 12 months. The Bologna center-back's consistency is part of the reason Colombia have kept this tournament manageable so far (as of June 24, 2026).
D. Muñoz, the Crystal Palace right-back, has been a fixture with 1,475 NT minutes in 18 appearances. His 5 goals and 4 assists at club level hint at the attacking threat he carries from the fullback position — a dimension Portugal will have to account for (as of June 24, 2026).
What Comes Next
The path is clear. Colombia play Portugal on June 27 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a>. A win or draw would likely secure first place in Group K. Even a loss should not matter for qualification — the six points already banked are enough to advance on any reasonable tiebreaker.
Lorenzo can afford to manage minutes. He can rotate. He can protect players carrying knocks from two intense group games in quick succession. That is the luxury six points buys.
Colombia missed Qatar 2022. They watched from home. This squad — 26 players deep, 8 wins in their last 10, goals from everywhere — is making sure that does not happen again (as of June 24, 2026).
When does Colombia play their final Group K match?
Colombia face Portugal on June 27, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a>. The match is the last Group K fixture for both teams and will determine who finishes top of the group.
What is Colombia's record in Group K so far?
Colombia have won both of their Group K matches: 3-1 against Uzbekistan in the opener and 1-0 against Congo DR in the second game <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a>. That gives them six points from two matches.
Who is Colombia's most important player at the World Cup 2026?
L. Díaz leads the squad with 1,885 national-team minutes, 10 goals, and 4 assists over the past 12 months <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a>. His output at both club and international level makes him the most influential attacker in Lorenzo's setup (as of June 24, 2026).
How did Colombia qualify for the knockout round?
Back-to-back wins in Group K — beating Uzbekistan 3-1 and Congo DR 1-0 — gave Colombia six points, which combined with results elsewhere effectively secures their place in the Round of 16 <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a>.
Who else is in Group K with Colombia?
Group K contains Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan, and Colombia <a href="/matches/colombia-vs-dr-congo/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Congo DR — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-24T04:41:28.346Z">Match centre vs Congo DR — official record</a>. After Matchday 2, Colombia and Portugal lead with six points each. Congo DR and Uzbekistan have been eliminated from contention for the top two spots.