Portugal ended the 2026 World Cup group stage with a 0-0 draw against Colombia in Miami.
Colombia began brightly at Hard Rock Stadium, Jhon Córdoba heading over the bar and forcing a save from Diogo Costa following a driving run by Jhon Arias. Arias then saw his shot cleared off the line by Ruben Neves.
Cristiano Ronaldo fired a long range free kick straight at Camilo Vargas but Roberto Martínez’s side were second best in the Florida heat, James Rodríguez dictating play in a free role.
Portugal’s first presentable chance came in the 39th minute when João Cancelo’s cross fell perfectly for Bruno Fernandes who was denied by Vargas.
It signaled a spell of pressure for the Seleção with Neves’ long range strike sailing wide. A quick Nuno Mendes throw found João Félix, the winger cutting inside and volleying over the bar.
The momentum switched before half-time, Costa saving Gustavo Puerta’s effort and slapping away a shot from Rodríguez.
Roberto Martínez went to his bench at the break, Cancelo and Ruben Neves replaced by Diogo Dalot and João Neves. Dalot immediately created an opportunity, his cross headed wide by Félix.
Costa punched Jefferson Lerma’s shot away from danger before collecting a comfortable save from Jhon Arias.
Dalot instigated another opportunity when he picked out Félix, the winger declining to shoot and instead threading he ball through to Ronaldo who was in an offside position.
Néstor Lorenzo went to his bench for the first time in the 60th minute when he brought on Richard Ríos and Luis Suárez for Jefferson Lerma and Jhon Córdoba.
Rodríguez got back into the action when he released Jhon Arias who sent a cross into Rios, the midfielder side footing wide from a great position. Rodríguez then sent Suárez through on goal, his shot deflected wide by Renato Veiga.
Colombia began to boss the game with their significant amount of supporters spurring them on. Jhon Arias’ shot was saved by Costa and Puerta sent a low drive wide.
Martínez made two changes during the advertising break, Vitinha and Félix making way for Samú Costa and Rafael Leão.
Rodríguez’shot was deflected over the bar by Veiga before he and Jhon Arias made way for Kevin Castaño and Juan Quintero.
Ronaldo played a 1-2 with Fernandes which ended up winning a corner, but there appeared to be a lack of urgency from Portugal and little support for Ronaldo up front.
Daniel Muñoz replaced Santiago Arias and set up a chance for Suárez through a deflected cross, Rúben Dias doing well to get back and prevent a certain goal.
The major moment of the match came in added time when Davinson Sánchez headed home Muñoz’s cross at the back post. The linesman flagged for offside which was confirmed by the VAR, Sánchez’s big toe a millimetre over the line.
Leão fired wide with the last chance of an exciting contest, one that could have gone in a different direction had Fernandes taken his early chance. Diogo Costa had a strong performance and was an obvious choice for man of the match.
Portugal werre second best on the night however and the statistics prove it, Colombia ending with 24-13 shots, 6-2 on target and 1.63-0.70 expected goals. Roberto Martínez's side deservedly finished second in Group K which sets up a Round of 32 clash against Croatia in Toronto.
The manager was positive after the final whistle: "It was a very demanding game. We expected that. The weather conditions, against a South American team that makes the game more open, with one-on-one situations. It was a very valuable test for us to try and take the game where we want it to go."
"Colombia had many long-range shots. It was a game where we needed to defend our area, and we did it very well. Now it's about adjusting, improving, and taking the games to where we want them to be, with more possession and control. And, in that spirit, making better use of the individual talent we have."
"We pushed the attacks a lot, we needed ball control, to use the talent of players like Vitinha in the build-up phase. But it was a very valuable test. We showed a lot of character, we fought to keep a clean sheet. It's fantastic to see Diogo Costa at this level."
"Intensity, blocks... A game that helps us adjust, align, and see where we need to grow. Now it's a completely different World Cup and we can evaluate the three games and prepare the team for the next one."
"We couldn't hold onto the ball as we wanted, nor could we fully utilize Vitinha's talent. But all the players who came on added to the game."
"We've already shown that we have the capacity to reflect, to be self-critical, and to improve significantly. It was a valuable test because when you play in different conditions and against a different opponent, it's easy to lose the game."
"Our fans can be very proud. Not of the style and quality we usually have, but of the many important values that will make us a championship-winning team."
Line Ups
Portugal (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa; João Cancelo (Diogo Dalot 46’), Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes (Matheus Nunes 90+2’); Rúben Neves (João Neves (46’), Vitinha (Samú Costa 70’); João Félix (Rafael Leão 70’), Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; Cristiano Ronaldo
Unused Substitutions: José Sá, Rui Silva, Tomás Araújo, Gonçalo Inácio, Nélson Semedo, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos
Manager: Roberto Martínez
Colombia (4-3-3): Camilo Vargas; Santiago Arias (Daniel Muñoz 87’), Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Deiver Machado; Jhon Arias (Kevin Castaño 76’), Jefferson Lerma (Richard Ríos 60’), Gustavo Puerta; James Rodríguez (Juan Quintero 76’), Jhon Córdoba (Luis Suárez 60’), Luis Díaz
Unused Substitutions: David Ospina, Alvaro Montero, Yerry Mina, Johan Mojica, Willer Ditta, Juan Portilla, Cucho Hernández, Jaminton Campaz, Andrés Gómez, Jorge Carrascal
Manager: Néstor Lorenzo
