Colombia claimed top spot in Group K at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after holding Portugal to a goalless draw in Miami, setting up a round of 32 meeting with Ghana in Kansas City on Saturday July 4.

Roberto Martinez's Portugal side, who needed a victory to finish first, will now face Croatia in Toronto on Friday July 3 — with a potential last-16 clash against Spain awaiting if they progress.

Sanchez's late goal ruled out

The most dramatic moment arrived deep in stoppage time when Davinson Sanchez fired home at a tight angle, only for the flag to go up immediately. VAR confirmed the call, with replays revealing that his toe had crept into an offside position — denying Colombia what would have been a stunning winner.

Portugal came equally close to stealing all three points moments later, when Rafael Leao poked wide from a close-range opportunity. Had it gone in, it would have been a bitter blow to a Colombia side that carried the greater threat throughout an exhilarating encounter.

A match full of chances

The game burst into life from the very first second, with Jhon Cordoba heading over the bar almost immediately after kick-off. Colombia remained the more dangerous side, with Ruben Neves required to clear an effort from Jhon Arias almost off the line in the 22nd minute.

Portugal's best first-half moment came in the 39th minute, when goalkeeper Vargas produced a brilliant save to deny Bruno Fernandes. After the break, Cristiano Ronaldo dragged a shot wide — though the flag was already raised for offside — before substitute Richard Rios nearly marked his arrival with a goal, only to poke around the post in the 62nd minute.

The goalless result marks a historic first for Colombia: the first occasion they have failed to score in a World Cup match. Yet despite the absence of a goal, the atmosphere in a raucous Miami — with film stars Matt Damon and John Leguizamo among the spectators — helped produce a contest that will be remembered as one of the finest 0-0 draws in World Cup history.

Colombia's reward is a round of 32 tie against Ghana, where they will face former national team boss Carlos Queiroz — the man who endured a troubled spell in charge of the Colombian side between 2019 and 2020.