Colombia top World Cup 2026 group after breathless 0-0 draw with Portugal | World Cup 2026 News
June 28, 2026
Colombia, Portugal Advance with 0-0 Draw in Group K Showdown
MIAMI — Colombia and Portugal played to a tense 0-0 draw Saturday at Miami Stadium, ensuring both teams advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the top two teams in Group K.
Although Colombia had opportunities to secure a win, they were unable to convert. The Colombian squad will travel to Kansas City as group winners, where they will face Ghana in the round of 32 on Friday.
Portugal, needing a victory to top the group, heads to Toronto to take on Croatia on Thursday. The Portuguese side has yet to fully integrate their diverse talent into a cohesive game plan.
The match began with an energetic display from the Colombian supporters, who raised the volume in the stadium when striker Jhon Cordoba missed a header over the bar just one minute into play. Jhon Arias posed a consistent threat, setting up Cordoba for a powerful shot in the 17th minute that Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa managed to deflect.
Five minutes later, after a fluid team buildup, Arias attempted a shot that was cleared off the line by Ruben Neves. Despite their dominance, Colombia struggled with defensive lapses late in the first half, which allowed Portugal to create scoring chances. Bruno Fernandes had a notable opportunity near the 39th minute, but his close-range shot was thwarted by Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.
Just before halftime, Joao Felix attempted an audacious volley that sailed over the bar. Colombia pressed forward in search of a breakthrough, with both Gustavo Puerta and playmaker James Rodriguez testing Costa before the break.
The second half saw Portugal increase their offensive efforts, yet it was Colombia that continued to find the better chances. Arias set up substitute Richard Rios for a shot that missed the target, and another attempt from Arias was saved by Costa. Puerta also sent a chance wide just prior to a hydration break.
Rodriguez’s volley was blocked in the 73rd minute, but Colombia did not relent in their offensive push. One minute from full-time, Davinson Sanchez thought he had clinched the winner with a header, but VAR ruled him offside in a tightly contested decision.
In stoppage time, Rafael Leao nearly secured a late win for Portugal with a shot that flashed across the goal, but the match concluded in a stalemate. A crowd of 64,478 witnessed the gripping encounter, played under the sweltering Miami heat.
Cristiano Ronaldo, facing boos from the crowd, was limited in his opportunities, managing just one shot on target—an unthreatening long-range free kick.
DR Congo Qualifies for Last 32; England Advances
In a separate match, the Democratic Republic of the Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1, marking their first-ever World Cup victory and securing a spot in the last 32. Yoane Wissa scored twice for DR Congo, who will meet England in the next round.
Uzbekistan took an early lead through Eldor Shomurodov’s goal, but Wissa equalized from the penalty spot. Fiston Mayele then put the Congolese side ahead, and Wissa capped the night with a late strike.
Earlier Saturday, England overcame Panama 2-0 with Jude Bellingham scoring and assisting Harry Kane, who became England’s all-time leading scorer in the World Cup with his 11th goal.
Meanwhile, Croatia clinched second place in Group L with a 2-1 victory over Ghana, securing a matchup against Portugal in the knockout stage. Nikola Vlasic scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, following a VAR review to confirm offside against Ghana.
