Portugal chase a reaction: the Uzbekistan test awaits

In the second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K match, Portugal face World Cup debutants Uzbekistan at the NRG Stadium in Houston. Listed among the pre-tournament favourites, Portugal suffered a major disappointment by drawing 1-1 with DR Congo in their opener; a similar performance here could leave the team needing a result against a strong Colombia in their final game.

Roberto Martínez's side undoubtedly have the quality, but they are struggling to make the stars align; against DR Congo they managed just one shot on target all game. The pre-match talk is dominated by the goal drought of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo: the legendary forward has gone 10 major tournament games without scoring for the national team. The midfield trio of João Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes is among the tournament's best; Portugal's hope is that the DR Congo game was merely an off-day. Small tweaks to the system, such as starting the more dynamic Francisco Conceição out wide, could add some zip.

For Uzbekistan, Fabio Cannavaro's side hope to learn from DR Congo's blueprint and trouble Portugal, despite a 3-1 loss to Colombia. The debutants are still seeking their first win, or even their first point. Abdukodir Khusanov's pace will be key to stopping Portugal's attacks down the left; in attack, Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev will look to take their chances on the break.

According to Sports Illustrated's prediction, Portugal will win 2-0. In this first-ever meeting between the two nations, anything other than a Portugal win would be deemed a major shock.

Probable XIs
Portugal (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves; Conceição, Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo
Uzbekistan (3-4-3): Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullaev, Shomurodov, Urunov

Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated