World Cup 2026: Portugal struggles and will face Croatia in the Round of 16, DRC celebrates historic qualification

Portugal's aspirations for a strong finish in the 2026 World Cup were tempered by a goalless draw against Colombia, a result that saw them finish second in Group K. Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates were largely outplayed on the Miami pitch, ultimately securing a draw that places them in a challenging Round of 16 fixture against Luka Modric's Croatia on July 2 in Toronto.

In contrast, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) etched its name in history by securing a landmark qualification for the knockout stages. Their decisive 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Atlanta propelled the Leopards into the next round, where they are set to face England. This achievement is particularly significant as it marks the DRC's first World Cup appearance since 1974.

The DRC's qualification comes as one of the best third-placed teams, a remarkable feat given the considerable challenges they faced during their tournament preparation. An Ebola epidemic in the DRC disrupted their training and logistics, making their advancement even more noteworthy.

While Portugal navigates a tough path forward, the DRC's historic run injects an element of surprise and excitement into the tournament. Their journey underscores the growing competitiveness of nations on the global stage, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding World Cup narrative.