2026 FIFA World Cup Group K Recaps: Colombia Goes Top, Portugal Falters

Cristiano Ronaldo could not match the superstars scoring output from the previous day at the World Cup, as Portugal dropped points in historic fashion to DR Congo while Uzbekistan also scored their first World Cup goal they could not secure points against a vaunted Colombia side.

PORTUGAL 1, DR CONGO 1

Joao Neves early goal seemed to have Portugal on their way to a big win before their offense sputtered the rest of the way and saw DR Congo equalize just before halftime.

Neves' snap header six minutes into the game off a recycled cross back in from Pedro Neto was the first official shot of the game as Congolese keeper Lionel Mpasi could only watch rooted to his line as the ball tucked into the side netting.

That would be the only shot on target Portugal would muster the entire game however, despite 75% possession and over 700 completed passes, it was DR Congo that generated one of the best chances of the game.

Right before halftime, at 45'+5 DR Congo played a short corner that eventually saw Arthur Masuaku cross into the box find Yoane Wissa and the Newcastle United striker smashed home the header from the top of the six. It was the only big chance created in the game by either side.

Portugal's attempts to equalize fell to star man Christian Ronaldo, who dragged two shots from the center of the box well wide in the 68th and 74th minutes. Despite five attempts inside the box, Portugal's 1-for-7 shooting effort was fairly meager, as DR Congo generated more xG (0.87 to 0.65) on just 2-for-8 shooting.

Thierry Henry had some choice words for Portugal's starting striker, who now has not scored in his last 10 major tournament appearances.

Thierry Henry on Cristiano Ronaldo: "The team needs to score, not you need to score." ⚽️🎙️ #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/0xkS1UaaAI
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 17, 2026

Yoane Wissa became the first Congolese player to score at the World Cup and this result is their first point ever in the competition, as their only previous appearance in 1974 as Zaire saw them shutout in three games against Yugoslavia, Brazil, and Scotland.

COLOMBIA 3, UZBEKISTAN 1

Colombia started to take control after about a half hour, and the opened the scoring off a recycled play following a James Rodriguez blocked shot. After a stellar tackle and block from the Uzbekistan defense, Colombia regained possession at the top of the box and Luis Diaz put in a stellar ball to a cutting Daniel Munoz who flicked a shot over Utkir Yusupov for the opener 40 minutes in.

Uzbekistan would find more of their attacking footing in the second half, but their equalizer came completely against the run of play. At the hour mark, Dostonbek Khamdamov over hit a cross to the far side of the box, where Eldor Shomurodov lined up and struck a solid volley towards the near post. Camilo Vargas made the initial save at his near post, but the ball popped up to Abbosbek Fayzullaev who nodded home from a yard out to etch himself into White Wolves lore.

It would be a short lived setback for Colombia, who answered just five minutes later, this time with Luis Diaz finishing off a counter off a feed from Gustavo Puerta as Yusupov got two gloves on it but had to watch it trickle over the line.

A couple of frantic late chances for Uzbekistan gave them hope for an equalizer only for Colombia to dash those hopes deep into stoppage time. Cucho Hernandez fought through several fouls but stayed with the play and struck a cross into the box where Jaminton Campaz slammed home Colombia's third officially in the ninth minute of stoppage.

GROUP OVERVIEW

Uzbekistan statistically did fairly well, though the bulk of their xG was on Fayzullaev's goal (0.98 because being one foot away from goal somehow can't be higher). Colombia did generate four big chances and converted on three but were just 4-of-15 shooting on the day. Los Cafeteros take command of the group early while DR Congo with a win over Uzbekistan could see themselves advance as a sure fire third place team or even second. Portugal has some work to do and Uzbekistan still needs a win to give them a chance at the knockouts.