Colombia’s decisive Group K match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Guadalajara ended in a 1-0 victory, securing the team’s place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. Managed by Néstor Lorenzo, Colombia had opened its campaign on 18 June with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. The match was staged at Estadio Guadalajara in the Guadalajara-Zapopan area and was listed on 24 June in one schedule, while local coverage dated it 23 June.
Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan on 23 June had put pressure on the group, giving Portugal three points and a large goal-difference advantage before Colombia’s match. Colombia’s win over DR Congo lifted it to six points and secured progression. The result left DR Congo with one point after its opening 1-1 draw with Portugal.
Colombia completed the group stage unbeaten with a 0-0 draw against Portugal on 28 June. The final Group K standings placed Colombia first with seven points, followed by Portugal with five, DR Congo with four and Uzbekistan with none. Colombia scored four goals and conceded one across its three matches; Portugal also conceded one but finished second on five points. Portugal advanced alongside Colombia, while DR Congo and Uzbekistan were eliminated.
The group’s six results were Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan, Portugal 1-1 DR Congo, Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan, Colombia 1-0 DR Congo, Colombia 0-0 Portugal and DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan. DR Congo’s full name is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, commonly shortened to DR Congo. The group-stage campaign formed part of the expanded 2026 World Cup, hosted across North America.
Group K’s tight race showed how individual results shaped the standings. The situation echoed other fixtures, including the Ecuador-Curazao showdown in Kansas City, where both teams fought to keep their tournament ambitions intact, as detailed in coverage of the Ecuador-Curazao match. Colombia secured qualification, and its draw with Portugal preserved an unbeaten record and confirmed first place in the group.
