Preview: Portugal vs Uzbekistan prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Portugal will look to secure its first win after the stalemate against DR Congo

Houston Stadium in Texas, USA, gears up to host the Matchweek 2 fixtures in Group K of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where reigning UEFA Nations League champions Portugal take on debutants Uzbekistan in a thrilling contest.

Nobody would have believed that after Matchweek 1, Portugal would be placed third in Group K after a draw against DR Congo. Colombia currently leads the table with three points, whereas Uzbekistan finds themselves at the bottom of the table K.

Much to everyone’s surprise, one of the favourites to win the World Cup, Portugal had to settle for a frustrating draw against DR Congo in the opening matchweek.

Despite drawing the first blood through a header from Joao Neves in the early minutes of the game, Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa equaliser the score just before the half time. Portugal were pretty poor in the last game, hardly creating chances of putting shots on target.

They are led by former Belgian gaffer Roberto Martinez. This is a must win game for Portugal to keep their top two hopes alive. Before facing South American giants Colombia in the final group stage fixture, a win in the next game against Uzbekistan is crucial. 

The White Wolves’ World Cup debut was not a memorable one after Colombia thrashed them 3-1 in the opening fixture. After conceding a goal late in the first half, they equalised via Fayzullaev in the hour mark. However a quick goal by Luis Diaz and a late strike from Campaz saw them going down badly.

They are led by Fabio Cannavaro, a former World champion with Italy as a player in 2006. He managed top teams like Al Nassr, Udinese and Dinamo Zagreb previously before taking over as the coach of Uzbekistan football team.

Uzbekistan are one of the emerging forces in Asian football, who regularly made it to the knockouts in the last few editions of AFC Asian Cup. Though Portugal are technically superior than the Asian debutants, the White Wolves have all the potential to cause a big upset. 

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Texas, USA
• Stadium: Houston Stadium
• Date: Tuesday, June 23
• Kick-off time: 5 p.m. BST [10:30 p.m. IST, Monday, June 22 / 12 p.m. local CDT]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Portugal (in all competitions): D-W-W-W-D

Uzbekistan (in all competitions): L-L-L-D-W

Players to Watch

Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)

Bruno is coming after a record breaking season with Manchester United, where he broke Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry’s record for the most assists in a single Premier League season.

However, he failed to impress much in the last game against DR Congo, where he created just one chance and had no shots on target in the entire 90 minutes. The game against Uzbekistan won’t be an easy one and Bruno must step up for his side when it matters the most. 

After all, one bad game doesn’t define a world class player like Bruno, who possesses an elite vision and rather than remaining static, Bruno dynamically drops into the spaces between the lines. 

Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan)

At just 22, Khusanov has already plied his trade with top European teams like RC Lens and Manchester City. He is coming after winning the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup with Pep Guardiola’s Man City. He was also part of the Uzbekistan U20 team that won the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2023.

In a 3-4-2-1 formation, Khusanov will be tasked with the responsibility to keep Portuguese strikers at bay. He will be up against Pedro Neto in the wings. 

What makes Kushanov an asset for Fabio Cannavaro is his elite recovery pace that also helps him to press higher upfront. He is also excellent in winning ground duels and after all, he plays for one of the best European clubs and rubs shoulders alongside the best wingers week in and week out in the Premier League. 

Match Facts

• Portugal and Uzbekistan will lock horns for the first time ever.
• Portugal’s seven shots against DR Congo were their joint-fewest in any World Cup match ever
• Uzbekistan didn’t register a single touch in Colombia’s box during the first half

Portugal vs Uzbekistan: Betting Tips and Odds

• Portugal to win the game – 4/7 with Betfred
• Cristiano Ronaldo to score – 19/20 with Betfred
• Portugal 2-0 Uzbekistan– 7/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

There are no injury concerns in the Portugal squad. However after that draw against Congo, Martinez is expected to make significant changes. Many reports suggest that Ruben Dias and Inacio can be brought in the defence alongside Rafael Leao and Conceição in the wings.

Uzbekistan also have no injury concerns. 

Head-to-Head

These two sides have never met each other, and this will be their first ever encounter.

Predicted Lineups

Portugal predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Diogo Costa (GK); Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Francisco Conceição, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão

Uzbekistan predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Utkir Yusupov (GK); Farrukh Sayfiev, Rustam Ashurmatov, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Abdukodir Khusanov; Jaloliddin Masharipov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev; Igor Sergeev, Eldor Shomurodov

Match Prediction

It is true that Portugal had a pretty poor performance in the last game, but once they get going, it’s very difficult to hold them back. Looking at their depth in the squad, we expect them to secure a comfortable win over Uzbekistan.

Prediction: Portugal 2-0 Uzbekistan 

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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