Results from the final matches in Group H today confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates' progression in Group K. With four points after two matches, Portugal can no longer be eliminated from the group of eight best third-placed teams, even if they lose significantly to Colombia in their final match.

Portugal holds four points, having drawn 1-1 with DR Congo and secured a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. Their lowest possible finish in Group K is third place. Nevertheless, among third-placed teams in the group stage, those with four points are assured of progression.

Lamine Yamal reacts after being challenged by Juan Manuel Sanabria during the Uruguay versus Spain match in the final round of Group H, World Cup 2026, at Akron Stadium, Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico on 26/6. *Photo: AP*

Portugal's spot was confirmed after Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0, and Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. The outcome of these matches meant Uruguay and Saudi Arabia both finished with two points and were eliminated, while Cape Verde secured second place in their group. Uruguay's two-point tally ensures Portugal would be ranked above the South American team if they were among the third-placed teams.

Furthermore, Portugal's four points guarantee they will have a better record than the third-placed teams in Groups A, C, H, and I: South Korea, Scotland, Uruguay, and Senegal. Therefore, even if surpassed by some third-placed teams in the remaining groups, Martinez's squad will remain within the group of eight third-placed teams that qualify.

Portugal can only drop to third place in Group K if they lose to Colombia, and DR Congo simultaneously defeats Uzbekistan by a margin large enough to overcome a six-goal differential.

The final matchday in Group K will, therefore, only determine Portugal's final standing. If they defeat Colombia, Ronaldo and his teammates will secure the top spot in the group. A draw is sufficient to ensure they finish second. Should they drop to third, Roberto Martinez's squad will advance to face the Group L winner, likely England. Therefore, they will still need to compete to secure a top 2 finish in Group K.

Nuno Mendes (number 25) celebrates Portugal's second goal during their match against Uzbekistan in Group K of World Cup 2026 at Houston Stadium on 23/6. *Photo: AP*

Colombia has also qualified before the final matchday, thanks to two consecutive victories against Uzbekistan and DR Congo. The showdown between Colombia and Portugal in the final Group K match will determine the top spot in the group and impact the knockout round bracket.

Portugal is one of four teams that have secured qualification for the round of 16 without needing to play their final group match, alongside England, Ghana, and Egypt. All four benefited from the results in Group H, as the qualification threshold for the eight best third-placed teams was determined after Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were eliminated.

As of before the final matchday of the remaining four groups (G, J, K, L), 26 teams have already secured their spots in the knockout round. The nine group winners include: Mexico, Switzerland, Brazil, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, France, and Argentina.

The eight second-placed teams are: South Africa, Canada, Morocco, Australia, Ivory Coast, Japan, Cape Verde, and Norway.

Four teams have already secured progression as the best third-placed teams: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Paraguay, Ecuador, and Sweden.

Additionally, Egypt, along with Portugal, Colombia, England, and Ghana, have also advanced from the group stage, but their final rankings will only be determined after the last matches.

Eleven teams have been eliminated from World Cup 2026: Czech Republic, Qatar, Haiti, Turkey, Curacao, Tunisia, Iraq, Jordan, Panama, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, eleven teams whose fates are yet to be determined will compete for the remaining six spots in the round of 16.

Hoang An (according to A Bola)