Colombia secured top spot in Group K despite being held to a thrilling 0-0 draw by Portugal on Saturday, setting up a FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-32 clash with Ghana.
Although neither side found the net, Colombia produced the better chances for much of the contest, while Portugal advanced as group runners-up and will face Croatia in the knockout stage.
Backed by a passionate crowd at Miami Stadium, Colombia made an aggressive start and nearly scored inside the opening minute when Jhon Cordoba headed over the crossbar.
The South Americans continued to threaten through Jhon Arias, who repeatedly troubled Portugal's defence. In the 17th minute, Arias set up Cordoba, whose powerful effort forced an excellent save from goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Five minutes later, Arias came close himself after a flowing team move, but Ruben Neves cleared his goal-bound shot off the line.
Portugal improve before half-time
Portugal gradually grew into the game as Colombia struggled to clear their lines.
Bruno Fernandes came closest in the 39th minute, but Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas produced a superb point-blank save. Joao Felix then acrobatically volleyed over the crossbar just before the break.
Colombia responded with efforts from Gustavo Puerta and James Rodriguez, both of which tested Costa before half-time.
VAR denies Colombia late winner
Colombia remained the more dangerous side after the restart.
Richard Rios fired wide after another excellent pass from Arias, while Arias and Puerta both forced further saves or missed narrowly.
James Rodriguez also saw a volley deflected away before he was substituted.
The closest either team came to scoring arrived in the 89th minute when Davinson Sanchez headed home at the far post. However, a VAR review ruled the goal out for a marginal offside.
Portugal nearly snatched victory in stoppage time through Rafael Leao, whose shot flashed narrowly across goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening, receiving little service throughout the match. His only effort on target, a long-range free-kick, was comfortably saved by Vargas.
The draw was enough for Colombia to finish first in Group K.
They will face Ghana in Kansas City on Friday, while Portugal travel to Toronto to meet Croatia in the round of 32 after finishing second.
DR Congo make World Cup history
In the group's other match, the Democratic Republic of the Congo secured a historic 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan to qualify for the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
Uzbekistan took an early lead through Eldor Shomurodov, but Yoane Wissa equalised from the penalty spot before Fiston Mayele put DR Congo ahead.
Wissa added his second goal in stoppage time to seal the victory and set up a last-32 meeting with England.
England topped Group L after defeating Panama 2-0 in New Jersey.
Jude Bellingham scored the opening goal before setting up Harry Kane, whose header made him England's all-time leading men's World Cup goalscorer with 11 tournament goals.
Croatia claimed second place in Group L with a 2-1 victory over Ghana.
Petar Sucic gave Croatia an early lead before Derrick Luckassen equalised for Ghana after a lengthy VAR review.
Nikola Vlasic scored the winner in the 83rd minute from Luka Modric's corner, sending Croatia through to a round-of-32 meeting with Portugal.
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