Dominican Republic finishes the group stage undefeated and eliminates the champion Mali in the Integration World Cup

The Dominican Community Representation in Madrid defeated Mali 3-2, the reigning champion of the 17th Integration World Cup, in a match defined by character, rotations, and a competitive reaction

Madrid. — The Dominican Community Representation in Madrid secured a high-value competitive victory by defeating Mali, the current champion of the 17th Integration World Cup, 3-2 in the third matchday of the group stage of the 18th Madrid Integration World Cup 2026, held at the Canódromo de Carabanchel.

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With this result, the Dominican Republic closed the group stage undefeated, confirmed its good sporting momentum, and left a heavyweight rival like Mali without options, a team that arrived with the label of defending champion and the obligation to continue defending its crown.

The Dominican team started the match with personality, defensive organization, and a very high competitive attitude. The first joy arrived in the 28th minute, when Encarnación opened the scoring with a great goal that made it 1-0 and ignited the Dominican fans present at the Canódromo.

Early in the second half, in the 46th minute, the Dominican Republic extended their lead with a great collective play: Randolf assisted and Raybel finished to make it 2-0, confirming the good work of a team that, despite presenting several rotations, maintained intensity, commitment, and efficiency.

Mali, true to its status as champion, reacted in the second half. First, they scored in the 62nd minute and then equalized the match in the 67th, bringing the score to 2-2 and taking the game to a scenario of maximum emotional and competitive demand for the Dominican representative.

However, the Dominican Republic did not collapse. After the equalizer and overcoming the emotional blow of a missed penalty, the team returned to compete with character. In the 83rd minute, Juanda appeared with a decisive goal to make it 3-2, sparking the Dominican celebration and sealing a victory that confirms the group’s strength.

At the end of the match, the coaching staff especially valued the team’s collective response. Coach Rony Beard highlighted the work of the less frequent players and the general attitude of the group:

“Great teamwork, with many changes to the starting eleven, where those who play less did a great job and took their opportunity. Defensively, we had a great first half.”

The coach also highlighted the value of having defeated the reigning champion without giving up on rotations:

“We beat the current champion while rotating the squad. The team is very focused in terms of attitude and the guys are giving their all in every match.”

Regarding the reaction after Mali’s draw, Beard was clear:

“They are a good opponent, but we have fought for every ball and we have recovered from the two-all draw and the missed penalty.”

The victory leaves the Dominican Republic with a strong signal heading into the next phase: a competitive, united team with depth and the ability to respond in moments of pressure. Beyond the scoreboard, the triumph represents a display of collective maturity against one of the most demanding rivals in the tournament.

The Dominican Community Representation in Madrid thus continues its journey in the Mundialito with reinforced confidence, the support of its fan base, and the goal of continuing to compete with pride, discipline, and community commitment.

Dominican Republic finishes the group stage undefeated and eliminates the champion Mali in the Integration World Cup