Portugal were forced to settle for second place in Group K after playing out a goalless draw with Colombia in their final group match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Miami.
The result saw Colombia finish top of the group with seven points, while Portugal advanced to the Round of 32 in second place with five points.
Despite the lack of goals, the encounter was packed with chances at both ends. Colombia, who registered 24 shots, their highest tally in a World Cup match, were unable to find a breakthrough.
The South Americans thought they had snatched a dramatic late winner in stoppage time when Davinson Sanchez headed home from a set piece, only for the goal to be ruled out for a marginal offside decision following a review.
The stalemate marked Colombia’s first ever goalless draw at a FIFA World Cup and ensured they progressed as Group K winners ahead of Portugal.
The result also ended hopes of a potential quarterfinal meeting between Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina star Lionel Messi, as the two nations now find themselves in opposite halves of the knockout bracket and can only meet in the World Cup final.
In the group’s other fixture, Democratic Republic of the Congo secured a historic first qualification for the knockout stages after defeating Uzbekistan 3-1.
The victory lifted Congo DR to third place in Group K on four points, with a goal difference of +1 proving enough to secure one of the eight best third placed spots in the tournament.
Portugal will now face Croatia in the Round of 32 on July 2, while Colombia are set to take on Ghana on July 3.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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