Martinoli misses game due to infection after eating sushi

Victory that leaves Colombia on top

With a goal from defender Daniel Muñoz in the 76th minute, the Colombian National Team defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 at the Guadalajara Stadium. The victory places the South American team as provisional leader of Group K of the 2026 World Cup.

The African team planted an orderly defensive block. Their goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was a figure when stopping several shots and canceling plays due to offside. Colombia generated dangerous arrivals, but it was difficult for them to break the lock.

The definition came when Muñoz took advantage of a mistake in marking inside the area to send the ball into the back of the net. The fans present celebrated the goal that unleashed euphoria in the stands.

With these three points, Colombia has six points and is at the top of the group. However, the final leadership will be defined on the last day. The next rival will be Portugal, a team led by Cristiano Ronaldo, which is also fighting for qualification and first place in the area.

The match against the Portuguese will be crucial to define the pass to the next phase. Colombia will seek to secure its ticket with a good result.

Despite the fact that Guillermo Ochoa has won six World Cups with Mexico, Javier Aguirre made it clear that he will not field the goalkeeper for mere recognition. After the victory against South Korea, versions emerged about a possible “tribute” against the Czech Republic. The technician firmly deactivated them.

“I always said, since I came back, that I wasn’t going to give anything away, that those who are here are due to their own merit. Due to injury we lost Marcel Ruiz, Luis Ángel Malagón and Rodrigo Huescas. Those who are in the best moment come to the National Team,” declared the ‘Basque’ in a conference.

Aguirre recognized the historical weight of Ochoa – present in every World Cup since Germany 2006, although he only played in Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 – and mentioned that the goalkeeper announced his retirement after this tournament. But that doesn’t guarantee you minutes.

“I don’t know how many Mexican players have been in six World Cups. Memo is with us distilling wisdom and experience, but even he gets tired of being talked to if he is going to play. I see him well, like Carlos Acevedo and ‘Tala’ Rangel,” he added.

In the last training session, Ochoa felt discomfort in his hip due to the poor state of the field at the CAR, but a serious injury was ruled out. His participation against the Czechs remains unknown, but Aguirre was blunt: there will be no gifts.

Lincoln Financial Field, located in Philadelphia, United States, is emerging as one of the relevant venues for the 2026 World Cup. With a capacity of 68,532 spectators and a natural grass surface, it meets FIFA’s operational requirements.

Key data

The venue opened its doors on August 3, 2003. Its construction cost 512 million dollars. It is owned by the Philadelphia City Council, which facilitates logistical coordination during mass events.

Its exact location, with coordinates 39°54’03″N 75°10’04″W, integrates it into the urban fabric of the city. This is key for access, mobility and services during the competition.

With more than two decades of operation, the stadium is positioned as a first-class urban asset. Its 21st century design and capacity place it among the venues capable of hosting high-demand matches at the world tournament.