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Rabat – Portugal face Uzbekistan today at Houston Stadium in their second Group K match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Portugal sit on one point after a disappointing 1–1 draw with DR Congo. Uzbekistan are without a point following a 3–1 defeat against Colombia in their first-ever World Cup match.
Roberto MartÃnez’s side need victory to move closer to the knockout stage before facing Colombia in their final group game. Uzbekistan must avoid another defeat to retain a realistic chance of qualification.
Match details:
Fixture: Portugal vs Uzbekistan
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group K, Matchday 2
Venue: Houston Stadium, Houston
Date: Tuesday, June 23
Kick-off: 6:00 p.m. Morocco time / 5:00 p.m. GMT
How to watch: beIN Sports in MENA; FOX and Telemundo in the USA; ITV1 and ITVX in the UK
Portugal team news
Injuries/Doubts: Ruben Dias missed Portugal’s starting lineup against DR Congo because he was not fully fit. The Manchester City defender could return, although MartÃnez may avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Tomas Araujo has been following an individual recovery program and remains a doubt. Portugal have no reported suspension problems.
Recent Form: Portugal dominated possession in their opener but struggled to create clear chances. They completed 783 passes and controlled 75% of the ball, yet produced only seven attempts and one shot on target.
Joao Neves headed Portugal into an early lead, but DR Congo equalized and prevented the European side from collecting three points.
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal’s main striker at the age of 41 and is playing in his sixth World Cup. He struggled to influence the opening match and will be under pressure to respond against Uzbekistan.
Bruno Fernandes must provide more creativity around the penalty area, while Vitinha and Joao Neves will control the midfield. Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao could also receive more minutes if MartÃnez changes his attack.
Likely XI: Costa; Cancelo, Araujo, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Ronaldo.
Uzbekistan team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Uzbekistan have no major reported absences. Khojiakbar Alijonov is among the players pushing for a place in the starting lineup.
Recent Form: Uzbekistan lost 3–1 to Colombia after making a nervous start to their World Cup debut. Fabio Cannavaro’s team failed to record a touch inside Colombia’s penalty area during the first half but improved after the break.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored Uzbekistan’s first World Cup goal, briefly bringing his team level before Colombia regained control.
Key Players: Eldor Shomurodov provides experience and movement in attack. Fayzullaev can create danger between the lines, while Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov will face the difficult task of containing Ronaldo and Portugal’s attacking players.
Likely XI: Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullaev, Urunov, Shomurodov.
What to expect
Portugal should dominate possession again, but they must move the ball faster and show more aggression in the final third. Uzbekistan are expected to defend compactly and search for counter-attacking opportunities.
The first goal will be important. An early Portugal goal could force Uzbekistan to open up, creating more space for Ronaldo, Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva.
Uzbekistan, however, should play with less fear after completing their historic debut. Portugal cannot afford to underestimate Cannavaro’s side or repeat the slow attacking performance seen against DR Congo.
Safe bets
Portugal to Win: MartÃnez’s side have greater quality, depth, and experience.
Portugal Over 1.5 Goals: Portugal should create more chances against a team that conceded three in its opener.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Score: The captain will be determined to respond after a quiet first match.
Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan.
