Colombia national football team advanced in Group K with a 0-0 draw against Congo DR on 2026-06-24. With the current table, Colombia would advance as the first in Group K. The World Cup regulations indicate that the winner of Group K will play the round of 16 against one of the best third-placed teams from groups D, E, I, J or L.
The scenario changes significantly. The second-placed team in Group K will face the second-placed team in Group L, which is currently Ghana, but where the definition is still completely open:
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| Colombia | 6 |
| Portugal | 5 |
The calculations to stay in the lead are relatively simple. If Colombia defeats Portugal in the last match, it will secure the first place in the group. Their next match is against Portugal on 2026-06-27.
Because the winner of Group K avoids a direct duel against a strong team from Group L and, in theory, will face one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament. In the new format of 48 teams, that difference can mean a much more favorable path to the round of 16.
