Image: from StudioFútbol X @StudioFutbol
By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
Portugal secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after a goalless draw against group winners Colombia on Sunday, finishing second in Group K and setting up a knockout clash with Croatia.
The 0,0 result in Miami was enough to send Roberto Martínez’s side into the knockout phase with five points, two behind Colombia, who topped the group with seven points.
Portugal completed the group stage unbeaten but were forced to settle for second place after recording their second draw of the tournament. The Seleção had opened their campaign with a 1,1 draw against DR Congo before defeating Uzbekistan to put themselves in a strong position heading into the decisive final match.
Knowing that a point would likely be enough to qualify, Portugal produced a disciplined defensive display against an organised Colombian side that had already impressed throughout the tournament.
Although neither team managed to find a breakthrough, both created opportunities during a tightly contested encounter in which defensive organisation prevailed over attacking flair.
The result confirmed Colombia as Group K winners, while Portugal advanced as runners-up and will now face Croatia in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the Round of 32.
Elsewhere in the group, DR Congo kept their World Cup dream alive with an impressive 3,1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan took an early lead through Eldor Shomurodov in the 10th minute, but DR Congo responded strongly after the break. Yoane Wissa equalised from the penalty spot in the 68th minute before Fiston Mayele completed the turnaround ten minutes later. Wissa sealed the victory deep into stoppage time with his second goal of the match.
The victory moved DR Congo onto four points, enough to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, while Uzbekistan exited the competition without earning a point in their World Cup debut.
Attention now turns to the knockout stage, where Portugal will attempt to overcome an experienced Croatian side led by Luka Modrić, while Colombia awaits its Round of 32 opponent after an unbeaten and commanding group stage campaign.