Colombia and Portugal played out a thrilling 0-0 draw at Miami's stadium in front of 64,478 passionate fans. The result secures both teams' places in the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Colombia finishing top of Group K and Portugal second.
Colombia will face Ghana in Kansas City on Friday, while Portugal travel to Toronto to play Croatia on Thursday. Despite dominating much of the match, Colombia's attackers lacked efficiency, missing several clear chances.
From the first minute, Jhon Cordoba headed wide. In the 17th minute, following a pass from Jhon Arias, Cordoba's powerful shot was saved by goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Five minutes later, Arias shot across goal but Ruben Neves cleared off the line.
Portugal's first dangerous chance came in the 39th minute when Bruno Fernandes went one-on-one with the keeper but was denied by Camilo Vargas. Joao Felix nearly scored with an acrobatic overhead kick that went over the crossbar three minutes before halftime. In the first half, Gustavo Puerta and James Rodriguez repeatedly troubled the opposition's goal.
After the break, Colombia continued to dominate. Substitute Richard Rios almost scored, Arias curled a shot that Costa pushed away, and Puerta fired wide at the cooling break. In the 73rd minute, Rodriguez's volley took a deflection, and in the final moments, Davinson Sanchez thought he had scored with a header but it was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Rafael Leao almost snatched victory for Portugal in stoppage time, but his shot grazed the post. Cristiano Ronaldo was jeered every time he touched the ball and had no significant opportunities apart from a free kick that went straight at the keeper.
In the same group, DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 thanks to a brace from Yoane Wissa, sealing their first-ever place in the round of 32. They will face England. Meanwhile, Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 with a header from Nikola Vlasic in the 83rd minute, securing second place in Group L and a meeting with Portugal. England beat Panama 2-0 with standout performances from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
