Colombia secures top spot in Group K
Colombia and Portugal concluded their World Cup 2026 Group K matches with a 0-0 draw at Miami Stadium. Both teams have advanced to the last 32 of the tournament. Colombia secured the top position in the group, while Portugal finished second.
The match, played in front of a crowd of 64,478, saw Colombia dominate for significant periods. Despite their profligacy in front of goal, the South American side earned encouragement from their performance against quality European opposition.
The atmosphere in Miami Stadium was electric, with a large contingent of yellow-shirted Colombia fans creating a wall of sound. The decibel levels rose early in the match when striker Jhon Cordoba headed the ball over the bar in the first minute.
Jhon Arias consistently troubled Portugal’s defence with his runs. In the 17th minute, Arias set up Cordoba, whose powerful shot was saved by goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Later, Arias himself took a shot that was cleared off the line by Ruben Neves.
Despite Colombia’s pressure, they occasionally struggled to clear their lines, which allowed Portugal to create chances towards the end of the first half. Bruno Fernandes had an opportunity in the 39th minute, but his shot was saved by Camilo Vargas in the Colombia goal. Three minutes before half-time, Joao Felix attempted an acrobatic volley that went over the bar.
Colombia continued to press for a goal before the break, with Gustavo Puerta and James Rodriguez both testing the goalkeeper. After half-time, Portugal increased their attacking efforts, but Colombia still created the better opportunities. Arias set up substitute Richard Rios for a shot that went wide, and Arias later curled a shot that was saved by Costa. Puerta also drilled another chance wide.
In the 73rd minute, a volley from Rodriguez was deflected. Shortly after, Rodriguez and Arias were substituted. Colombia maintained their attacking intensity throughout the match. Davinson Sanchez believed he had scored the winning goal with a far-post header a minute from time, but it was disallowed for a tight offside after a VAR review.
In stoppage time, Rafael Leao had a late chance for Portugal, with his shot flashing across goal. Cristiano Ronaldo, who was booed every time he touched the ball, had limited opportunities, with his only shot on target being a long-range free kick that went straight to the goalkeeper.
Group K teams advance
As group winners, Colombia will travel to Kansas City to face Ghana on Friday. Portugal, who needed a win to top the group, will head north to Toronto to play Croatia on Thursday. Portugal will be looking to find a way to integrate the talent within their squad into a more effective team.
In another Group K match, the Democratic Republic of the Congo secured their place in the last 32 for the first time in their history by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1. Yoane Wissa scored twice in this historic victory. They will now face England in the next round.
Uzbekistan initially took the lead with Eldor Shomurodov’s lob over Lionel Mpasi. However, Wissa equalized from the penalty spot, and Fiston Mayele’s goal sent the crowd into celebration. Wissa completed his brace in stoppage time, marking his third goal of the tournament.
Earlier results in other groups also saw significant developments. Jude Bellingham played a key role in England’s 2-0 victory over Panama, securing their spot in the round of 32 as Group L winners. Bellingham scored and assisted Harry Kane, whose header marked his 11th World Cup goal, surpassing Gary Lineker’s record as England’s all-time leading scorer in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Nikola Vlasic scored an 83rd-minute header from Luka Modric’s corner to give Croatia a 2-1 win over Ghana. This result secured Croatia a second-place finish in Group L. Petar Sucic had scored early for Croatia, who only needed a draw to advance to the last 32. Croatia’s second-place finish guarantees them a match against Portugal on Thursday in Toronto.
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Source: aljazeera.com
