Portugal vs. Uzbekistan: A Chance for Ronaldo and His Team to Bounce Back
Manasi Pathak
After a disappointing 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo face a must-win Group K match against Uzbekistan. The Uzbeks, making their World Cup debut, need points to avoid early elimination.
The match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in the second round of Group K at the 2026 World Cup kicks off at 17:00 GMT (00:00 on June 24, Vietnam time) at NRG Stadium in Houston, USA. This represents the first-ever meeting between the two sides in their histories.
Portugal are under significant pressure after a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opening match. Despite controlling the game and enjoying a large share of possession, Roberto Martinez’s side managed only seven shots, with just one on target. This result drew criticism from fans over the performance of Ronaldo – the 41-year-old player was deemed “uninspired” in his tournament debut.
Speaking before the match, coach Martinez stated: “We are strong and focused. The team has become even more united after a poor result. Criticism is normal, but it is not how we prepare.” He declined to reveal whether Ronaldo would start but called the striker a “role model” for the entire squad.
For Uzbekistan, making their first World Cup appearance, they lost 1-3 to Colombia in their opener. Despite the defeat, Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s goal was a historic moment for the nation’s football. Coach Fabio Cannavaro, the former Italy captain who won the 2006 World Cup, said: “We have nothing to lose. Portugal like to control the game; we will be ready. I ask the players to show more fighting spirit than we did against Colombia.”
On the personnel front, Portugal have a full squad available except for Tomas Araujo. Defender Ruben Dias has recovered after being sidelined for the first match. Uzbekistan reported no major injury concerns. The expected line-up for Portugal (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Araujo, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Silva, Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo. Uzbekistan (3-4-2-1): Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Nasrulloev; Fayzullaev, Urunov; Shomurodov.
According to Opta’s supercomputer, Portugal have an 80.3% chance of winning, while Uzbekistan are given just a 6.8% probability of victory. A draw is forecast at 12.9%.
Currently, Colombia lead Group K with 3 points, while the Democratic Republic of Congo and Portugal each have 1 point. Uzbekistan have yet to earn any points. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 32 – a new format introduced after the World Cup expanded to 48 teams.
The Portugal vs. Uzbekistan match will be broadcast live in the USA on FOX and Telemundo; in the UK on STV and ITV; in Portugal on SPORT.TV5 and TVI; and in Uzbekistan on ZORplay.
