Which teams should Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal beat to reach first ever FIFA World Cup final? Path becomes clear after draw with Colombia

× Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal have finished second in Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a disappointing 0-0 draw with Colombia in their final group fixture on Sunday. Ad Cristiano Ronaldo and co. were outplayed by a resolute Cafeteros side, who thoroughly dominated the proceedings late on.

Although they qualified for the knockout stages, Portugal are staring at a tougher run to the FIFA World Cup final after being unable to win their group. Croatian now await Portugal in the Round of 32 in another promising tactical affair. If the UEFA Nations League champions win, they could face Spain in the last-16.

Ad Trending The Iberian neighbors have contested two clashes at the FIFA World Cup in 21st century, with Portugal winning neither: they lost the 2010 clash 1-0 in the Round of 16 before playing out a 3-3 draw in 2018 group stages, powered by a sensational hat-trick from Ronaldo. If Portugal do manage to overcome Lamine Yamal and co., then it could set-up another challenging game for them against Belgium in the quarter-finals, followed by the possibility of facing either France or Germany in the semi-finals.

Ad Much of the talk during the group stages was a potential clash between Portugal and Argentina in the quarter-finals as the two sides were on collission course if both won their respective groups. But while the Albiceleste clinched Group J without any hassle, Roberto Martinez's side had to settle for a second place in Group K. The opening day stalemate with DR Congo eventually proved costly for Portugal, who were widely touted to pick up an easy win.

And now, the European giants are set to face an incredibly tough path to reach their first ever FIFA World Cup final. Ad Portugal face Croatia in the last-32 on Thursday, 2 July at the BMO Field in Toronto. Cristiano Ronaldo has another poor display in 2026 FIFA World Cup draw to Colombia Cristiano Ronaldo's potentially last FIFA World Cup isn't going according to plan.

He netted just twice in the group stages, both against tournament debutants Uzbekistan while dropping a poor display in two other games. Ad Against Colombia, the 41-year-old was well off pace and offered no potency or directness in attack as the opponents' compact defensive structure never allowed him any breathing space.With Lionel Messi once again looking flawless and leading the race for the Golden Boot with five goals already, the pressure is mounting on Ronaldo to respond.

But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner continues to be well below his best. × Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Nived Zenith Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal have finished second in Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a disappointing 0-0 draw with Colombia in their final group fixture on Sunday.

Ad Cristiano Ronaldo and co. were outplayed by a resolute Cafeteros side, who thoroughly dominated the proceedings late on. Although they qualified for the knockout stages, Portugal are staring at a tougher run to the FIFA World Cup final after being unable to win their group.

Croatian now await Portugal in the Round of 32 in another promising tactical affair. If the UEFA Nations League champions win, they could face Spain in the last-16. Ad Trending The Iberian neighbors have contested two clashes at the FIFA World Cup in 21st century, with Portugal winning neither: they lost the 2010 clash 1-0 in the Round of 16 before playing out a 3-3 draw in 2018 group stages, powered by a sensational hat-trick from Ronaldo.

If Portugal do manage to overcome Lamine Yamal and co., then it could set-up another challenging game for them against Belgium in the quarter-finals, followed by the possibility of facing either France or Germany in the semi-finals. Ad Much of the talk during the group stages was a potential clash between Portugal and Argentina in the quarter-finals as the two sides were on collission course if both won their respective groups.

But while the Albiceleste clinched Group J without any hassle, Roberto Martinez's side had to settle for a second place in Group K. The opening day stalemate with DR Congo eventually proved costly for Portugal, who were widely touted to pick up an easy win. And now, the European giants are set to face an incredibly tough path to reach their first ever FIFA World Cup final.

Ad Portugal face Croatia in the last-32 on Thursday, 2 July at the BMO Field in Toronto. Cristiano Ronaldo has another poor display in 2026 FIFA World Cup draw to Colombia Cristiano Ronaldo's potentially last FIFA World Cup isn't going according to plan. He netted just twice in the group stages, both against tournament debutants Uzbekistan while dropping a poor display in two other games.

Ad Against Colombia, the 41-year-old was well off pace and offered no potency or directness in attack as the opponents' compact defensive structure never allowed him any breathing space.With Lionel Messi once again looking flawless and leading the race for the Golde