James Rodriguez delivered a vintage performance, creating five goal-scoring opportunities as Colombia secured a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in their second Group K match at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico on June 24, 2026. The win booked Colombia's place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 with a game to spare.
According to OptaJose, Rodriguez became the first Colombian player to create five chances in a World Cup match since Carlos Valderrama achieved the feat against England in 1998. The 34-year-old playmaker, now appearing in his third World Cup, orchestrated Colombia's attack throughout the contest.
Munoz Scores Decisive Goal
Daniel Munoz scored the only goal of the match in the 76th minute, ensuring Colombia maintained a perfect start to the tournament with two wins from two matches and six goals scored. The result confirmed Colombia's progression to the knockout stage ahead of their final group encounter against Portugal.
ESPN reported that Munoz became only the third Colombian man to score in each of his nation's opening two matches at a World Cup, following Adolfo Valencia in 1994 and James Rodriguez in 2014. He also joined Yerry Mina as the only Colombian defender to score multiple World Cup goals, with Mina netting three times in Russia in 2018.
Colombia's World Cup Journey
The South Americans have now reached the knockout rounds for a third consecutive World Cup appearance, having also advanced in 2014 and 2018 before missing out on qualification for the 2022 tournament by a single point. Rodriguez, the former Golden Boot winner from the 2014 World Cup, remains one of Colombia's most influential figures. He also won the FIFA Puskas Award in 2014 for his memorable volley against Uruguay and holds the Copa America record for most assists in a single edition with six.
Luis Diaz and DR Congo Goalkeeper Shine
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz endured a frustrating evening despite Colombia's victory. He was caught offside five times, becoming the first player to register as many offsides in a World Cup match since Robin van Persie was flagged six times for the Netherlands against Costa Rica in 2014.
DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi delivered an inspired performance to keep his side in the contest. He became the first goalkeeper to make five saves within the opening 20 minutes of a World Cup match since Jamaica's Warren Barrett against Argentina in 1998. Despite Mpasi's heroics, Munoz's late strike proved enough to send Colombia into the knockout phase.
