🏆 World Cup 2026 · Group K · Matchday 3

Portugal vs Uzbekistan

Group K Matchday 3 with Portugal expecting to clinch top spot. Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth and final World Cup continues; Uzbekistan debut campaign closes out at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Portugal flag
Portugal
Selecao
vs 19:00 CEST CEST
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
White Wolves · WC debut
Date
Tuesday 23 June 2026
Venue
NRG Stadium, Houston
Stage
Group K · Matchday 3
Value Tip Portugal to win 1.30 +18% edge

Why: Portugal's squad depth is overwhelming. After likely 6 points from the previous two matches, the squad rotation may rest Ronaldo or Bernardo Silva but the strength remains. Uzbekistan have shown structure but lack the cutting edge to upset.

JF
Anytime Goalscorer Tip
Joao Felix
Chelsea · Portugal · 12 international goals

Felix typically starts matchday 3 fixtures when Portugal rest stars. His Chelsea 2025-26 season produced 9 EPL goals. Against Uzbekistan's deep block his movement is well-suited. Anytime price 2.40.

OS
Card Prediction
Otabek Shukurov
Pakhtakor · Uzbekistan midfielder · combative

Shukurov averages a yellow every 3 matches at Uzbek League pace. Tasked with breaking up Portugal's possession through Vitinha-Bruno Fernandes-Bernardo Silva, the foul rate climbs. Anytime Card around 2.80.

The stadium: NRG Stadium, Houston

The match is at NRG Stadium in Houston. Soccer capacity 72,220.

NRG hosts seven matches at the 2026 World Cup.

NRG Stadium, Houston
NRG Stadium, Houston. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Portugal: locking top spot

Portugal have won two major international trophies (Euro 2016, 2019 Nations League).

Roberto Martinez took over after 2022.

Something cool: Portugal lead Group K after two matches. The Uzbekistan match should clinch top spot and set up a manageable Round of 32 fixture.

Uzbekistan: closing the debut campaign

Uzbekistan are at their first ever World Cup.

Fabio Cannavaro took over from Kapadze in October 2025.

Something cool: Uzbekistan's debut campaign has been a learning experience. After two matches the squad has gained valuable World Cup tournament experience that the next cycle will benefit from.

The captains

CR
Cristiano Ronaldo
Forward · Portugal captain · Al-Nassr

Ronaldo captain since 2008. All-time international top scorer (137 goals).

5-time Ballon d'Or winner.

At 41 captaining his sixth and final World Cup.

ES
Eldor Shomurodov
Striker · Uzbekistan captain · Istanbul Basaksehir

Shomurodov captain since 2022. All-time top scorer (44 goals).

On loan from Roma to Basaksehir in 2025-26.

Captaining at Uzbekistan's first ever World Cup.

Form and key stats

Portugal beat DR Congo 2-0 on matchday 1 (Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva) and beat Colombia 2-1 on matchday 2.

Uzbekistan lost matchday 1 to Colombia 0-2 and lost matchday 2 to DR Congo 1-2.

6-0
Portugal points
137
Ronaldo int. goals
0-0
Uzbekistan points
44
Shomurodov int. goals

Predicted lineups

Based on each side's most recent friendly. Final XIs confirm one hour before kick-off; this page will update.

Portugal
4-3-3
  • 1Diogo CostaGK
  • 2Joao CanceloRB
  • 3Ruben DiasCB
  • 4Goncalo InacioCB
  • 5Nuno MendesLB
  • 18VitinhaDM
  • 8Bruno FernandesCM
  • 10Bernardo SilvaAM
  • 21Pedro NetoRW
  • 7Cristiano RonaldoST
  • 17Rafael LeaoLW
Uzbekistan
4-2-3-1
  • 1Utkir YusupovGK
  • 2Sherzod NasrullaevRB
  • 4Rustam KhojaevCB
  • 5Abdukodir KhusanovCB
  • 3Abbosbek FayzullaevLB
  • 8Otabek ShukurovDM
  • 6Jaloliddin MasharipovCM
  • 10Khojimat ErkinovAM
  • 11Igor SergeevRM
  • 7Oston UrunovLM
  • 9Eldor ShomurodovST

Group K schedule

DateMatchVenuePreview
17 JunPortugal vs DR CongoHoustonPreview →
17 JunUzbekistan vs ColombiaMexico CityPreview →
23 JunColombia vs DR CongoGuadalajaraPreview →
23 JunPortugal vs UzbekistanHoustonThis page
27 JunPortugal vs ColombiaMiamiPreview →
27 JunUzbekistan vs DR CongoMonterreyPreview →

All four teams, qualification scenarios and BetBot predictions: See full Group K overview →

Tactical preview: Ronaldo's last group stage

Martinez's Portugal will likely rotate. Felix may start in place of Ronaldo with Joao Neves replacing Vitinha. The shape remains 4-3-3.

Cannavaro's Uzbekistan deep block 4-2-3-1.

Key matchups

Path to the Round of 32

Portugal lock first place with the win. Uzbekistan's debut campaign closes.

FAQ

Tuesday 23 June 2026 at 13:00 ET (19:00 CEST). NRG Stadium, Houston.

Forward Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), captain since 2008. All-time international top scorer with 137 goals.

Striker Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Basaksehir), all-time top scorer with 44 goals.

Yes, his sixth and final World Cup group stage finale.

Likely. After 6 points from matchday 1 and 2, the Uzbekistan match should consolidate first place in Group K.

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