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Colombia and Portugal wrapped up the second day of the with their spots in the round of 16 secured, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uzbekistan were mathematically eliminated.
The group's story began on June 17 with results that set opposite trends: Colombia crushed Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Estadio Azteca with goals from Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz, and Jáminton Campaz, while Portugal disappointed by drawing 1-1 against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Houston, letting slip two points that complicated their position in the standings.
The second round, held on Tuesday, June 23, clearly reshaped the landscape.
Portugal responded to its initial setback with a historic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan at the NRG Stadium in Houston, dominating with 67% possession and 15 shots. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace (at minutes six and 39), becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups —2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026— and reaching a total of 10 World Cup goals, a historic record for Portugal. Nuno Mendes, an own goal by Nematov, and Rafael Leão completed the scoreline.
Meanwhile, Colombia defeated the DR Congo 1-0 at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara with a goal from Daniel Muñoz in the 76th minute, finishing the stage with a perfect record of victories. The Congolese team only managed their first shot on target in the 85th minute, which was deflected by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.
This is how the table looks
After two matchdays, Colombia leads with 6 points and a goal difference of +3. Portugal is in second place with 4 points, although they have a better goal difference (+5). The DRC has 1 point (GD -1), and Uzbekistan finishes last with 0 points and a significant GD of -7.
What each team is playing for in matchday 3
The four teams will compete simultaneously on Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 PM (Cuba and Miami time), following FIFA's standard format to prevent agreements between teams.
Colombia vs Portugal will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and RD del Congo vs Uzbekistán at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
For Colombia, any result other than a defeat guarantees them the top spot in the group: if they draw or win, they finish first. Portugal, on the other hand, needs to win to take the first place from the Colombians; in the event of a tie on points, the better goal difference for Portugal (+5 compared to +3) could be the decisive factor, although Colombia would have the advantage if the final score does not change that equation.
For the DR Congo and Uzbekistan, Saturday's match has no qualifying value: both are eliminated and are only playing for pride.
The format of the 2026 World Cup—48 teams in 12 groups—qualifies the top two from each group along with the eight best third-placed teams from all groups, completing 32 teams for the Round of 32. The DR Congo, with 1 point and a negative goal difference, has slim mathematical chances of sneaking in among those eight best third-placed teams if they win against Uzbekistan and the results from the other groups are favorable.
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