TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Colombian national team has confirmed their place in the round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating the Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo 1-0 in the second match of Group K at Guadalajara Stadium, Zapopan, Mexico, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. In another match, England was held to a goalless draw by Ghana in Group L, while Croatia clinched a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama.
Colombia becomes the seventh team to secure a spot in the knockout stage following Mexico, the United States, Germany, Argentina, France, and Norway. Los Cafeteros collected six points from two matches and lead the Group K standings.
Despite the narrow win, Colombia dominated the entire match. The team led by Nestor Lorenzo created numerous opportunities through Daniel Munoz, James Rodriguez, and Luis Diaz, but were repeatedly denied by DR Congo's goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi.
Munoz initially scored a goal in the sixth minute, but it was denied for offside. James and Diaz also posed threats multiple times but failed to beat the outstanding Mpasi under the crossbar.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 76th minute. Juan Fernando Quintero, who came on as a substitute, delivered a precise pass to Munoz. The Crystal Palace defender unleashed a left-footed shot that eluded Mpasi's anticipations, giving Colombia a 1-0 lead.
DR Congo attempted to equalize in the dying minutes, but Colombia's goalkeeper Camilo Vargas maintained their lead until the final whistle. This victory means that Colombia only needs a draw against Portugal in the final match to secure the top spot in Group K. Meanwhile, DR Congo still has a chance to advance and will compete against Uzbekistan in the decisive game.
England and Ghana Settle for a Draw
In Group L, England failed to secure a spot in the knockout stage after playing a goalless draw against Ghana at Boston Stadium, the United States. The Three Lions dominated the game from the start. Under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, the team controlled the match with an 88 percent ball possession in the first 18 minutes and continued to pressure Ghana's disciplined defense.
However, the dominance did not translate into goals. England's best chance in the first half came through Declan Rice's header that sailed over the crossbar. In the second half, Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon also missed golden opportunities. England even came close to scoring when Nico O'Reilly's shot hit the crossbar. As the game concluded, the score remained 0-0.
The result leaves England at the top of Group L with four points, ahead of Ghana on goal difference with the same points. The certainty of advancing to the knockout stage will be determined in the final match.
Croatia Keeps Hopes Alive for Advancing to Knockout Stage
Meanwhile, Croatia maintains the chance of advancing after securing a 1-0 victory over Panama at Toronto Stadium, Canada. Panama posed a greater threat in the early stages of the match. Jose Luis Rodriguez and his teammates repeatedly threatened Croatia's goal, but goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic made crucial saves.
Croatia's coach Zlatko Dalic then changed their game early in the second half by bringing in Andrej Kramaric and Ante Budimir. The decision immediately paid off. In the 54th minute, Budimir scored the winning goal after connecting with Josip Stanisic's cross from the right side. This goal marked Budimir's first goal in the World Cup.
Panama attempted to equalize until the end of the match, but Croatia's defense managed to maintain their lead. The score remained 1-0 until the final whistle.
This victory gives Croatia three points and keeps their chances alive for advancing to the round of 32. On the other hand, Panama becomes the fifth team to be eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Jordan, Tunisia, Turkey, and Haiti. In the final match of Group L, Croatia will face Ghana in a decisive showdown, while England will meet Panama.
Read: Ronaldo Welcomes Possible World Cup Duel Against Messi
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