World Cup 2026: Portugal target first win against Uzbekistan at NRG Stadium
Portugal face Uzbekistan at NRG Stadium in Group K of the 2026 World Cup, seeking their first win after an opening draw while Uzbekistan chase their first point.
SUMMARY
Portugal face Uzbekistan on June 23, 2026, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. This Group K match kicks off at 18:00 GMT+1 and represents a crucial step for Portugal, who are seeking their first win after a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo on matchday one. Uzbekistan, for their part, will try to claim their first point in this group after a 3-1 defeat against Colombia.
Roberto Martínez, Portugal’s coach since 2023, is relying on an attacking team led by Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, still a starter and an iconic figure for the national side. Uzbekistan, under the guidance of Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 world champion, offer a more defensive setup with the aim of exploiting counterattacks. This clash therefore pits a Portugal side accustomed to major competitions against an Uzbek team making its World Cup debut and counting on key figures Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
After the group’s opening results, Portugal have not yet secured qualification and must quickly collect points. Uzbekistan need to recover from their heavy opening defeat to stay in contention and hope for an upset. The style of play will be a key element to watch — Portugal’s possession and attacking game against a compact, organised Uzbek block.
This match will also be an opportunity to see how Roberto Martínez sets up his 4-2-3-1 with players such as Diogo Costa in goal, João Cancelo and Rúben Dias in defence, while relying on Bruno Fernandes and João Félix in support of striker Cristiano Ronaldo. For his part, Fabio Cannavaro lines up a 3-4-2-1 with Abduvokhid Nematov in goal, a three-man defence and a packed midfield to contain Portugal’s attacks.
Focus on Portugal
Portugal adopt a classic 4-2-3-1 under Roberto Martínez. Diogo Costa guards the goal behind a defence made up of João Cancelo on the right, Rúben Dias and Renato Veiga in central defence, and Nuno Mendes on the left. The double pivot is provided by João Neves and Vitinha, bringing balance between ball recovery and build-up play. Ahead of them, the attacking trio consists of Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes and João Félix, technically assured and capable of driving the game. Cristiano Ronaldo is positioned up front, leading the attack and bringing experience to the group. This organisation is designed for fluid play with strong possession and numerous attacking options.
Portugal’s bench offers varied solutions with players such as Bernardo Silva, Gonçalo Ramos and Rafael Leão, who are capable of changing the tempo and attacking dimension during the match. The coach is banking on a solid defensive base and technical control in midfield to get beyond the middle third and create clear chances.
Focus on Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan play in a 3-4-2-1 under Fabio Cannavaro, favouring a defensive organisation to withstand Portugal’s pressing and limit space. Abduvokhid Nematov keeps goal, with a three-man defensive line including Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev and Rustam Ashurmatov. The four-man midfield features Bekhruz Karimov, Odiljon Khamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov and Sherzod Nasrullaev to secure the central areas and launch counterattacks.
Attacking support is provided by Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Azizjon Ganiev, while striker Eldor Shomurodov represents the main attacking threat. The Uzbek team will look to rely on its collective solidity and tactical discipline to contain Portugal while taking any opportunity in quick transition.
The encounter promises to be tactical, with Portugal seeking to impose their rhythm and experience against the rigorous organisation of an Uzbek team determined to record their first points in the competition.
Uzbekistan- 6'But - J. Neves1-0
- 13'Carton jaune - B. Silva
- 32'Carton jaune - C. Mbemba
- 45+5'But - Y. Wissa1-1
- 46'Remplacement - B. Silva (remplace F. Conceicao)
- 57'Remplacement - N. Mukau (remplace N. Sadiki)
- 71'Remplacement - P. Neto (remplace R. Leao)
- 72'Remplacement - N. Mendes (remplace N. Semedo)
- 74'Remplacement - E. Kayembe (remplace C. Pickel)
- 74'Remplacement - A. Masuaku (remplace J. Kayembe)
- 83'Remplacement - Vitinha (remplace G. Ramos)
- 85'Remplacement - C. Bakambu (remplace S. Banza)
- 85'Remplacement - A. Wan-Bissaka (remplace G. Kalulu)
- 88'Carton jaune - N. Semedo
- 90+2'Carton jaune - T. Araujo
- 1 Diogo Costa Goalkeeper
- 20 João Cancelo Defender
- 4 Tomás Araújo Defender
- 13 Renato Veiga Defender
- 25 Nuno Mendes Defender
- 15 João Neves Midfielder
- 23 Vitinha Midfielder
- 10 Bernardo Silva Midfielder
- 8 Bruno Fernandes Midfielder
- 18 Pedro Neto Midfielder
- 7 Cristiano Ronaldo Forward
- 12 José Sá
- 22 Rui Silva
- 2 Nélson Semedo
- 3 Rúben Dias
- 5 Diogo Dalot
- 14 Gonçalo Inácio
- 6 Matheus Nunes
- 24 Samú Costa
- 21 Rúben Neves
- 16 Francisco Trincão
- 19 Gonçalo Guedes
- 9 Gonçalo Ramos
- 11 João Félix
- 17 Rafael Leão
- 26 Francisco Conceição
- 1 Lionel Mpasi Nzau Goalkeeper
- 2 Aaron Wan-Bissaka Defender
- 22 Chancel Mbemba Defender
- 4 Axel Tuanzebe Defender
- 3 Steve Kapuadi Defender
- 26 Arthur Masuaku Defender
- 6 Ngal'ayel Mukau Midfielder
- 8 Samuel Moutoussamy Midfielder
- 25 Edo Kayembe Midfielder
- 20 Yoane Wissa Forward
- 17 Cédric Bakambu Forward
- 16 Timothy Fayulu
- 21 Matthieu Epolo
- 5 Dylan Batubinsika
- 12 Joris Kayembe
- 24 Gedeon Kalulu
- 7 Nathanaël Mbuku
- 10 Théo Bongonda
- 14 Noah Sadiki
- 15 Aaron Tshibola
- 18 Charles Pickel
- 9 Brian Cipenga
- 11 Gaël Kakuta
- 13 Meschak Elia
- 19 Fiston Mayele
- 23 Simon Banza
- Tirs cadres : Portugal 1 / DR Congo 2
- Tirs : Portugal 3 / DR Congo 7
- Possession : Portugal 78% / DR Congo 22%
- Corners : Portugal 3 / DR Congo 4
- Fautes : Portugal 5 / DR Congo 10
- Cartons jaunes : Portugal 1 / DR Congo 1
- Passes : Portugal 662 / DR Congo 179
- Precision des passes : Portugal 94% / DR Congo 82%
- xG : Portugal 0.24 / DR Congo 0.69
- João Neves (Portugal) : note 7.9, 1 but(s)
- Yoane Wissa (DR Congo) : note 7.2, 1 but(s)
- Pedro Neto (Portugal) : note 7, 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
- Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo) : note 6.9, 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
- Vitinha (Portugal) : note 7.5
- Renato Veiga (Portugal) : note 7.3
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) : note 7.2
- Diogo Costa (Portugal) : note 6.6, 1 arret(s)
No confirmed absence yet.
No reliable head-to-head available yet.
- 7'Carton jaune - J. Mojica
- 34'Carton jaune - A. Khusanov
- 40'But - D. Munoz0-1
- 46'Remplacement - O. Urunov (remplace D. Khamdamov)
- 46'Remplacement - S. Nasrullaev (remplace F. Sayfiev)
- 60'But - A. Fayzullaev1-1
- 65'But - L. Diaz1-2
- 72'Remplacement - J. Rodriguez (remplace J. Campaz)
- 77'Remplacement - A. Fayzullaev (remplace A. Amonov)
- 77'Remplacement - R. Ashurmatov (remplace J. Urozov)
- 80'Remplacement - L. Suarez (remplace C. Hernandez)
- 80'Remplacement - G. Puerta (remplace R. Rios)
- 90+3'Remplacement - L. Diaz (remplace A. Gomez)
- 90+3'Remplacement - J. Arias (remplace K. Castano)
- 90+3'Remplacement - E. Shomurodov (remplace I. Sergeev)
- 90+9'But - J. Campaz1-3
- 1 Utkir Yusupov Goalkeeper
- 2 Abdukodir Khusanov Defender
- 18 Abdulla Abdullaev Defender
- 5 Rustam Ashurmatov Defender
- 24 Bekhruz Karimov Midfielder
- 6 Akmal Mozgovoy Midfielder
- 7 Otabek Shukurov Midfielder
- 13 Sherzod Nasrullaev Midfielder
- 22 Abbosbek Fayzullaev Forward
- 11 Oston Urunov Forward
- 14 Eldor Shomurodov Forward
- 4 Farrukh Sayfiev
- 17 Dostonbek Khamdamov
- 12 Abduvokhid Nematov
- 16 Botirali Ergashev
- 3 Khozhiakbar Alizhonov
- 15 Umarbek Eshmuradov
- 25 Avazbek Ulmasaliyev
- 26 Jakhongir Urozov
- 8 Jamshid Iskandarov
- 9 Odiljon Khamrobekov
- 10 Ruslanbek Jiyanov
- 19 Azizjon Ganiev
- 23 Sherzod Esanov
- 20 Azizbek Amanov
- 21 Igor Sergeev
- 12 Camilo Vargas Goalkeeper
- 2 Daniel Muñoz Defender
- 23 Davinson Sánchez Defender
- 3 Jhon Lucumí Defender
- 17 Johan Mojica Defender
- 14 Gustavo Puerta Midfielder
- 16 Jefferson Lerma Midfielder
- 11 Jhon Arias Midfielder
- 10 James Rodríguez Forward
- 25 Luis Javier Suárez Forward
- 7 Luis Díaz Forward
- 24 Álvaro Montero
- 1 David Ospina
- 22 Deiver Machado
- 4 Santiago Arias
- 18 Willer Ditta
- 13 Yerry Mina
- 5 Kevin Castaño
- 6 Richard Ríos
- 8 Jorge Carrascal
- 15 Juan Portilla
- 20 Juan Fernando Quintero
- 21 Jaminton Campaz
- 26 Andrés Gómez
- 9 Jhon Córdoba
- 19 Cucho Hernández
- Tirs cadres : Uzbekistan 2 / Colombia 3
- Tirs : Uzbekistan 6 / Colombia 14
- Possession : Uzbekistan 37% / Colombia 63%
- Corners : Uzbekistan 3 / Colombia 4
- Fautes : Uzbekistan 14 / Colombia 10
- Cartons jaunes : Uzbekistan 1 / Colombia 1
- Passes : Uzbekistan 287 / Colombia 511
- Precision des passes : Uzbekistan 76% / Colombia 86%
- xG : Uzbekistan 1.14 / Colombia 1.43
- Luis Díaz (Colombia) : note 8.3, 1 but(s), 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
- Daniel Muñoz (Colombia) : note 7.5, 1 but(s)
- Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Uzbekistan) : note 7.2, 1 but(s)
- Gustavo Puerta (Colombia) : note 6.3, 1 passe(s) decisive(s)
- Camilo Vargas (Colombia) : note 6.2, 2 arret(s)
- Abdulla Abdullaev (Uzbekistan) : note 7
- Otabek Shukurov (Uzbekistan) : note 6.9
- Jefferson Lerma (Colombia) : note 6.9
No confirmed absence yet.
No reliable head-to-head available yet.
Aucun evenement important n est encore remonte par la source live pour ce match.
- 1 Diogo Costa Goalkeeper
- 20 João Cancelo Defender
- 3 Rúben Dias Defender
- 13 Renato Veiga Defender
- 25 Nuno Mendes Defender
- 15 João Neves Midfielder
- 23 Vitinha Midfielder
- 18 Pedro Neto Midfielder
- 8 Bruno Fernandes Midfielder
- 11 João Félix Midfielder
- 7 Cristiano Ronaldo Forward
- 12 José Sá
- 22 Rui Silva
- 2 Nélson Semedo
- 4 Tomás Araújo
- 5 Diogo Dalot
- 14 Gonçalo Inácio
- 6 Matheus Nunes
- 24 Samú Costa
- 10 Bernardo Silva
- 21 Rúben Neves
- 19 Gonçalo Guedes
- 16 Francisco Trincão
- 9 Gonçalo Ramos
- 17 Rafael Leão
- 26 Francisco Conceição
- 12 Abduvokhid Nematov Goalkeeper
- 2 Abdukodir Khusanov Defender
- 18 Abdulla Abdullaev Defender
- 5 Rustam Ashurmatov Defender
- 24 Bekhruz Karimov Midfielder
- 9 Odiljon Khamrobekov Midfielder
- 7 Otabek Shukurov Midfielder
- 13 Sherzod Nasrullaev Midfielder
- 22 Abbosbek Fayzullaev Forward
- 19 Azizjon Ganiev Forward
- 14 Eldor Shomurodov Forward
- 16 Botirali Ergashev
- 1 Utkir Yusupov
- 25 Avazbek Ulmasaliyev
- 4 Farrukh Sayfiev
- 3 Khozhiakbar Alizhonov
- 26 Jakhongir Urozov
- 15 Umarbek Eshmuradov
- 6 Akmal Mozgovoy
- 20 Azizbek Amanov
- 8 Jamshid Iskandarov
- 17 Dostonbek Khamdamov
- 11 Oston Urunov
- 10 Ruslanbek Jiyanov
- 23 Sherzod Esanov
- 21 Igor Sergeev
Aucune statistique collective n est encore disponible dans les donnees du match.
Key players will be highlighted during the match.
No confirmed absence yet.
No reliable head-to-head available yet.
Le fil du match s affichera au coup d envoi.
Line-ups will be published before kickoff.
Aucune statistique collective n est encore disponible dans les donnees du match.
Key players will be highlighted during the match.
No confirmed absence yet.
No reliable head-to-head available yet.
Le fil du match s affichera au coup d envoi.
Line-ups will be published before kickoff.
Aucune statistique collective n est encore disponible dans les donnees du match.
Key players will be highlighted during the match.
No confirmed absence yet.
No reliable head-to-head available yet.
Le fil du match s affichera au coup d envoi.
Line-ups will be published before kickoff.
Aucune statistique collective n est encore disponible dans les donnees du match.
Key players will be highlighted during the match.
No confirmed absence yet.
No reliable head-to-head available yet.
| Team | J | G | N | P | BP | BC | Diff | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Portugal | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| DR Congo | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Uzbekistan | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
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