World Cup 2026 Group K final standings: Results and teams qualified for the round of 32
Colombia edged out Portugal in the battle for first place, while DR Congo clinched an unprecedented knockout-phase berth.
Colombia topped Group K despite being denied a late winner against Portugal, while DR Congo secured a historic knockout-stage spot.
How Group K matchday three unfolded:
Having already stamped their tickets to the round of 32, Colombia and Portugal faced off in a showdown for top spot on Saturday. Only needing a draw to edge out the Portuguese, the South Americans got the point they needed - but came very close to a last-gasp victory at Hard Rock Stadium.
With second-half stoppage time underway in Miami, Davinson Sánchez found the net for Los Cafeteros, heading in Juan Fernando Quintero’s left wing cross. However, the flag went up for offside, before a video review upheld the call: Sánchez had been off by the very tightest of margins.
While Colombia and Portugal claimed Group K’s automatic qualification berths, DR Congo will join them in the knockouts after claiming their first ever win in a men’s World Cup game. Powered by Yoane Wissa’s double in Atlanta, the Léopards beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to ensure they progress among the best third-place finishers. Indeed, DR Congo’s record of four points and a +1 goal difference meant Sébastien Desabre’s men ended up as the best third-place team.
For the Congolese, who lost all three games as Zaire at their only previous men’s World Cup, this will be a maiden appearance in the tournament’s knockout rounds.
Group K: results
Matchday one: June 17
Matchday two: June 23
Matchday three: June 27
Group K: final standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia (Q) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 6 |
| Portugal (Q) | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 4 |
| DR Congo (Q) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 1 |
| Uzbekistan (E) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 11 | -9 | 0 |
Who will Colombia, Portugal and DR Congo play in the round of 32? Matchups and schedule:
The trio will all play qualifiers from Group L. As group winners, Colombia have been handed a last-32 tie against third-placed Ghana, while Portugal face a big-name matchup against Croatia, who took second. DR Congo, meanwhile, have been paired with England, whose win over Panama on Saturday ensured they won Group L.
- July 1, 12 noon ET: England vs DR Congo, Atlanta
- July 2, 7:00 p.m. ET: Portugal vs Croatia, Toronto
- July 3, 9:30 p.m. ET: Colombia vs Ghana, Kansas City
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