World Cup Group K permutations: What do Portugal need to qualify?

There is still plenty to play for in Group K at the World Cup 2026, with three teams still having a chance to qualify for the knockouts.

Colombia booked their place in the last 32 with a 1-0 win over DR Congo, which coupled with their 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, puts them on six points and in charge of the group heading into the final round of fixtures.

Colombia will play Portugal in what is set to be a crunch match, while DR Congo face Uzbekistan.

Should any team not finish in the top two to qualify for the knockouts, there is a safety cushion in the respect that the eight best third-placed teams will also go through.

What Portugal need to qualify for World Cup knockout stages

While not mathematically guaranteed, Portugal have almost certainly booked their place in the last 32 already with four points from their first two games.

Roberto Martinez's men drew 1-1 with DR Congo before thrashing Uzbekistan 5-0, and a win against Colombia would not only send them safely through, but ensure that they top the group.

A draw would secure them second place, while even a defeat could be enough depending on DR Congo's result against Uzbekistan.

What Colombia need to qualify for World Cup knockout stages

Colombia are already through to the knockout stages with two wins from two in the group.

They will now be aiming to keep hold of top spot, and avoiding defeat to Portugal would ensure they do so.

A loss would see Colombia slip to second, but that is the lowest they can finish.

What DR Congo needs to qualify for World Cup knockout stages

DR Congo realistically need to beat Uzbekistan to secure their place at the knockouts, after picking up just one point from their opening two games.

Four points should be enough, and they could even finish as high as second if they win and Portugal lose, and there is a swing on goal difference.

However, a draw would see them scrapping to finish as one of the eight best third-placed teams, and two points in total is unlikely to see them through.

It should also be noted that should DR Congo lose to Uzbekistan, they would be eliminated.

What Uzbekistan need to qualify for World Cup knockout stages

Anything other than a win for Uzbekistan against DR Congo would see them eliminated.

Victory would put them on three points and up to third place, but they would still be relying on other factors to determine if they are one of the eight best third-placed teams, and thus advance into the knockouts.