Miami: Colombia secure top spot in World Cup group after draw with Portugal

By Arjun Nair / 28.06.2026

By Arjun Nair — 28 June 2026 — 3 min read

Colombia and Portugal play out goalless draw

Colombia and Portugal played to a 0-0 draw at Miami Stadium, with both teams advancing to the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match saw a large contingent of yellow-shirted South American supporters, creating a significant atmosphere. Despite the goalless result, Colombia secured the top spot in Group K, while Portugal finished second.

The game began with immediate action, as Jhon Cordoba headed the ball over the bar in the first minute. Jhon Arias consistently troubled Portugal’s defence, setting up Cordoba for a powerful shot in the 17th minute that was saved by goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Five minutes later, Arias himself took a shot that was cleared off the line by Ruben Neves.

Colombia continued to press, with Gustavo Puerta and James Rodriguez testing the goalkeeper before halftime. However, Portugal also created opportunities. Bruno Fernandes had a shot saved by Camilo Vargas in the 39th minute, and Joao Felix volleyed over the bar shortly before the break.

Second half action and disallowed goal

After the break, Portugal increased their attacking efforts, but Colombia maintained their offensive momentum. Arias set up substitute Richard Rios for a shot that went wide, and later curled a shot that was saved by Costa. Puerta also drilled a chance wide before a hydration break.

A volley from Rodriguez was deflected in the 73rd minute, just before he and Arias were substituted. Colombia continued to push forward, and Davinson Sanchez thought he had scored the winning goal with a far-post header a minute from full time. However, the goal was disallowed for a tight offside call after a VAR review.

In stoppage time, Rafael Leao nearly scored for Portugal with a shot that flashed across the goal. The match concluded with the 0-0 scoreline in front of a crowd of 64,478.

Group K implications and other results

With this result, Colombia will travel to Kansas City as group winners to face Ghana on Friday. Portugal, needing a win to top the group, will head north to Toronto to play Croatia on Thursday. Cristiano Ronaldo, who was booed during the match, had limited opportunities, with his only shot on target being a long-range free kick.

In other Group K action, the Democratic Republic of the Congo made history by qualifying for the last 32 for the first time. They defeated Uzbekistan 3-1, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice. Eldor Shomurodov scored for Uzbekistan, but Wissa’s penalty and Fiston Mayele’s goal secured the win. Wissa completed his hat-trick in stoppage time.

Meanwhile, England secured their spot in the round of 32 as Group L winners after a 2-0 victory over Panama. Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock and assisted Harry Kane, who scored his 11th World Cup goal, surpassing Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer in the tournament. In another Group L match, Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1, with Nikola Vlasic scoring in the 83rd minute to secure second place for Croatia, setting up their match against Portugal.

Source: aljazeera.com