Colombia top the group: goalless 0-0 vs Portugal

Colombia and Portugal drew 0-0 in the match to decide the Group K winner at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Colombia were the dominant side but could not convert their superiority, and the game finished goalless. The result saw Colombia finish top of the group, with Portugal second.

The most decisive moments of a balanced first half came late on. In the 45+2nd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo's fierce shot deflected off the defense; in the 45+3rd minute, Diogo Costa produced a magnificent save to deny James Rodríguez's superb effort, and the sides went in goalless.

Colombia stepped up the pressure after the restart and created chance after chance. Néstor Lorenzo boosted his attack by bringing on Luis Suárez, while Roberto Martínez rotated with the likes of Rafael Leão and João Neves. Even so, Diogo Costa kept Portugal's net intact with his saves.

The most controversial moment came in the 90+2nd minute. Dávinson Sánchez's goal was disallowed for offside, and despite all their superiority, Colombia again saw a chance to change the score slip away.

The statistics underline Colombia's overwhelming superiority. Colombia had 24 shots to Portugal's 13; in expected goals (xG), the figures read 1.63 to 0.70, and the big-chance count was 2-1 in Colombia's favor. They also led possession with 55%. Yet none of it was reflected on the scoreboard.

After the match, officiated by Iran's Alireza Faghani, Colombia finished top of Group K and reached the last 32, where they will face Ghana. Portugal, who finished second, drew Croatia. Ronaldo's Portugal, unable to get the win they needed for top spot, continue at the tournament as runners-up.

Image: Al Jazeera