Miami: Colombia secured top spot in Group L of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after holding Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal to a hard-fought 0-0 draw in their final group-stage match on Sunday.
The result saw Colombia advance to the Round of 32 unbeaten with two wins and one draw, while Portugal progressed as group runners-up with one victory and two draws from their three matches.
Both teams created several scoring opportunities but failed to find the breakthrough in an entertaining contest. Colombia came close early when striker Jhon Córdoba tested Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa with two powerful efforts, both of which were brilliantly saved.
Colombia continued to press forward, with James Rodríguez setting up Jhon Arias, whose goal-bound strike was cleared off the line by Portugal defender Rúben Neves. Portugal responded with chances of their own as Bruno Fernandes, after being set up by João Cancelo, unleashed a fierce shot that was denied by Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas. João Félix also came close, but his volley sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
The South Americans maintained their attacking intent in the second half. However, missed opportunities and solid defending kept the match scoreless. Colombia thought they had found a dramatic winner in the closing stages when defender Davinson Sánchez headed home from a Juan Quintero cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The stalemate ensured Colombia finished atop the group standings and advanced confidently to the knockout phase, while Portugal also booked their place in the Round of 32.
Congo Reach Round of 32 for the First Time
In Atlanta, Congo made history by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final Group L match.
A brace from Yoane Wissa and a late goal from substitute Fiston Mayele helped Congo overturn an early deficit and secure a memorable victory. The win earned Congo a place among the tournament’s best third-placed teams and a historic berth in the Round of 32, where they will face England on July 1.
Uzbekistan struck first in the 10th minute through captain Eldor Shomurodov, who scored just days before his 31st birthday. Congo responded strongly and eventually equalized in the 68th minute when Wissa converted a penalty.
Ten minutes later, Mayele gave Congo the lead with a composed finish over goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov. Wissa then sealed the victory deep into stoppage time with his second goal of the match, ensuring a famous 3-1 triumph.
The result marked a landmark achievement for Congo, whose resilient performance earned them a place in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s football history.
