World Cup 2026: Colombia Top Group K After Portugal Draw
Colombia topped Group K after a 0-0 draw with Portugal, with Davinson Sánchez denied a dramatic stoppage-time winner by VAR (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Colombia secured top spot in Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a lively 0-0 draw with Portugal in Miami, where Davinson Sánchez had a stoppage-time goal ruled out for the narrowest of offside decisions.
Neither side found the net at Hard Rock Stadium despite producing a steady flow of chances. Colombia finished first in the group and will face Ghana in the round of 32, while second-place Portugal advanced to a meeting with Croatia.
It was the first goalless match in Colombia’s World Cup history, arriving in their 25th appearance at the tournament. However, the score did not reflect an open contest in which both goalkeepers were regularly tested.
Sánchez Denied Stoppage-Time Winner
The decisive moment appeared to arrive in the first minute of added time when Colombia worked a corner short before delivering a cross towards the far post.
Sánchez rose to direct a header beyond Diogo Costa, prompting celebrations among the large Colombian contingent inside the stadium. The assistant referee raised the flag, however, and a VAR review confirmed that the defender had strayed offside by the smallest of margins.
Colombia continued pushing during the remaining minutes, with Daniel Muñoz nearly reaching another ball at the back post before Costa came off his line to collect it.
The late drama followed sustained pressure from Néstor Lorenzo’s side. Richard Ríos sent a first-time effort just wide, Jhon Arias forced Costa into a diving stop and Gustavo Puerta drove a low shot past the post.
James Rodríguez also went close with a deflected volley before being replaced in the 76th minute.
Goalkeepers Keep Entertaining Contest Scoreless
Colombia made an aggressive start, creating two attempts inside the opening minutes. Luis Díaz escaped down the left and sent a deflected shot towards Jhon Córdoba, whose header travelled over the crossbar.
Córdoba later used his strength to hold off Bruno Fernandes and test Costa with a powerful shot. Colombia came even closer in the 22nd minute when Rodríguez released Jhon Arias, whose low effort was cleared from the goal line by Rúben Neves.
Portugal carried a threat of their own. Fernandes forced a strong save from Camilo Vargas late in the first half, while João Félix sent a well-controlled volley narrowly over the bar.
Cristiano Ronaldo had limited opportunities against Colombia’s organized defence. He saw one long-range free kick saved and dragged another attempt wide after being released behind the back line, although the offside flag was raised.
Costa made several important saves across the match, including stops from Jefferson Lerma, Rodríguez and Arias. Vargas was also alert whenever Portugal managed to break through Colombia’s midfield.
Group K
| Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | 3 | +3 | 7 |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 3 | +5 | 5 |
| 🇨🇩 Congo DR | 3 | +1 | 4 |
| 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | 3 | -9 | 0 |
Colombia and Portugal Learn Knockout Opponents
Colombia entered the match with six points and needed only a draw to finish first. Portugal began the night two points behind their opponents and required a victory to move above them.
The result left Colombia unbeaten through the group stage after victories over Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Portugal advanced with five points following a draw with DR Congo and a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.
With the knockout stage approaching, Canadian supporters comparing soccer betting sites can also review RG’s World Cup 2026 Betting Bonuses in Canada page for tournament-specific offers and information.
Colombia will now prepare to face Ghana, who finished third in Group L. Portugal’s next opponent will be Croatia, setting up another meeting between two experienced European teams in the round of 32.