Colombia and Portugal battle for top spot in Group K as the World Cup knockout rounds near.
Roberto Martinez’s men made a slow start to the tournament with a drab draw against DR Congo heightening the scrutiny both on the manager and on record scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, but a thrashing of Uzbekistan represented a return to form. Progression as group winners will be secure with victory in Miami, though Colombia have looked in strong form so far and need only a draw to set up a meeting with a third-place finisher.
There is plenty to consider at the bottom of the group, too, with both DR Congo and Uzbekistan in theory capable of qualifying for the last 32. The African side are more strongly placed, and will book their spot in the knockouts with a win. Second spot is not out of reach – though a huge goal difference swing would be required...
Follow all of the latest as Group K reaches a conclusion with our live blog below:
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Colombia vs Portugal LIVE
- Colombia take on Portugal in Miami at World Cup | Live on BBC with kick off at 12.30am BST
- Winner would top Group K; Colombia two wins from two and strongly placed
- Team news: Cristiano Ronaldo starts again after return to form
- DR Congo eyeing third place finish with win against Uzbekistan
10 men and a statue: Portugal are sacrificing another World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego
00:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleSome of that criticism came from our Richard Jolly – who has lingering concerns over Cristiano Ronaldo’s efficacy:
Portugal are sacrificing another World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego
Cristiano Ronaldo agonises over ‘dark week’ after responding to retirement calls with World Cup double
23:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe criticism seems to have reached Cristiano Ronaldo, who reflected on a “dark week” after that Uzbekistan win.
Ronaldo agonises over ‘dark week’ after defiant message to World Cup critics
Two goals and an assist by sheer aura: Cristiano Ronaldo has entered the World Cup chat
23:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleCristiano Ronaldo had faced plenty of criticism at this tournament, but his performance against Uzbekistan showed what an aura he still commands. Lawrence Ostlere was there:
Two goals and an assist by sheer aura: Cristiano Ronaldo has entered the chat
Colombia wary of Vitinha and Cristiano Ronaldo
23:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleColombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said his team would need to be especially tactically disciplined in their World Cup Group K decider against Portugal to deal with the threats posed by Vitinha and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Colombians need to avoid defeat to advance as group winners but Lorenzo was taking nothing for granted against a team he considers one of the favourites to win the World Cup.
"We'll try to maintain our style and our footballing identity," he told reporters on Friday. "But without a doubt, we have to pay attention to `the other characteristics and strengths (Portugal) has. It's a very well-coached team. They have a coach and players who are at the elite level of world football ... and that `shows in their game.
“Both Vitinha and Ronaldo are decisive players. One in the organisation of the game and the quality of his playmaking, and the other in finishing. So we absolutely cannot leave them alone or neglect them. Hopefully the team collective will be well-oiled."I think we need special tactical discipline tomorrow in order to counter both the way Vitinha starts and drives the team's play, and the finishing ability of Ronaldo, which requires special attention."
Team news – Uzbekistan
23:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleUzbekistan XI: Nematov; Alijonov, Khusanov, Ashurmatov Urozov, Nasrullaev; Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Khamdamov, Fayzullaev; Shomurodov.
Team news – DR Congo
23:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleDR Congo XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Mbuku, Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Cipenga, Bakambu, Wissa.
Team news - Colombia
23:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleLuis Suarez is only on the bench for Colombia after an injury scare, with Jhon Cordoba deployed up front.
Colombia XI: Vargas; S Arias, Sanches, Lucumi, Machado; Lerma, Puerta; J Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba.
Team news - Portugal
23:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleRoberto Martinez takes no chances – it’s a full strength Portugal side.
Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo.
O 𝗫𝗜 𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 para a 𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙖 𝙟𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙙𝙖 do Mundial 2026 🫡#VaiDarPortugal | #COLPOR #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/I7JHu6i26U
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 27, 2026
Team news on the way...
23:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, team news should be with us shortly ahead of the Group K settlers. Will there be any surprises?
Third-place rankings: How they stand in race to reach World Cup knockout stages
23:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere are the third place standings currently – can DR Congo join those through to the knockout rounds?
Third-place rankings: How they stand in race to reach World Cup knockout stages
What do DR Congo need to qualify?
22:50 , Will CastleDR Congo are currently on one point and will know a win against Uzbekistan is a must if they want to progress. Doing so will take them to four points which will be enough for them to go through in third.
A significant win could even see them leapfrog Portugal into second if the Selecao lose to Colombia. The primary focus, though, is victory by any margin.
What do Portugal need to qualify?
22:40 , Harry Latham-CoylePortugal are already home and dry as far as their knockouts progression is concern - they sit on four points which will be enough for them to go through as one of the eight-best third-placed teams, at the very least.
A win will see Portugal leapfrog already-qualified Colombia into first, while a draw would be enough to secure a runners-up finish.
How Group K looks
22:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere’s how the ladder looks in Group K entering the final round of fixtures.
Colombia vs Portugal LIVE
21:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleColombia and Portugal battle for top spot in Group K as the World Cup knockout rounds near. Victory is a must for Cristiano Ronaldo and co. after their draw against DR Congo in the first round of fixtures, while the South Americans will progress as group winers provided they avoid defeat in Miami.
Kick off is at 12.30am BST.
