United Colombia, 90% proven contender for World Cup 2026 after last 1-0 vs DR Congo
Colombia already holds the fate of Group K of the World Cup 2026; a draw against Portugal is all that is needed to take the lead, after a 1-0 win over DR Congo followed by 20 goals and three disallowed goals.
Contextualization is important: Colombia's 1-0 win against DR Congo was arguably lucky thanks to a late deflected goal and a great volley from Camilo Vargas. It could also be said that they just ended up in the pile after registering 20 shots and three disallowed goals. Actually, the story is closer to the second one—the pace of the match was dominant and controlled even though the victory came late.
The result leaves Colombia in the grip of Group K fate. Néstor Lorenzo's side just need a draw against Portugal to ensure they top the group. More than the score, it is already 90 percent proof that they can keep up as a real contender in the tournament.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2026/06/24025822/GettyImages-2282519440-scaled-e1782284418708.jpg?width=1200&height=630&fit=cover" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Amid domestic tension after the controversial presidential election results—between right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who claims he won, and leftist rival Iván Cepeda—the night became a symbol of unity for Colombians. If there is one thing that has been agreed upon in recent days, it is the pre-eminence of Luis Diaz. He was the brightest of the match: his goals were disallowed twice and there were two more almost certain chances that were blocked at the last moment.
The contribution of Camilo Vargas was also invaluable, with a critical volley to ensure the advantage remained. Throughout, Colombia has shown the discipline and collective pull in the same direction—from solid defense to aggressive attack—that has them now at the top of the conversation as a dark horse poised to rise further.
Next test: Portugal. They are only a draw away from the top of Group K. But with the quality they have shown, it is clear that Colombia's ambitions do not end there.
