We’re onto Group K, where Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia will fight it out. The group contains the most requested group stage match of the 2026 World Cup, a June 27th matchup between Portugal and Colombia in Miami, that many think will decide the group. However, Uzbekistan is in their first World Cup, and DR Congo has returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1974. They’re not here to just have a good time. They both have a chance to get out of the group and provide an upset
that could shake this group up.
Schedule
Wednesday, June 17th
Portugal vs. DR Congo
Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
Tuesday, June 23rd
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
Colombia vs. DR Congo
Saturday, June 27th
Colombia vs. Portugal
DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan
Portugal
Portugal is one of the best teams in the world and they’re a solid contender to get to the final and win it. They may not be a favorite to win it all, but they have the quality of a team that can definitely push for the semifinals and put themselves in place to win it. Their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has the most international goals all-time and is pushing for a World Cup title to close out his career, but there are plenty of stars on this team that will likely be the true reason Portugal is standing at the end.
FIFA Ranking: 5
Odds of Winning Group: Favorites
One to Watch: Sure, everyone will be watching Cristiano Ronaldo, but Bruno Fernandes will need to be the magician in the middle for Portugal to do well.
DR Congo
DR Congo qualified via the FIFA inter-confederation playoff, and they’re excited to be back in their first World Cup since 1974. They hope to put all the issues their country is currently facing as well as the struggles of getting all of their staff and players (and one Patrice Lumumba lookalike) to the games and just play. When they play, they can be dangerous, and they won’t be scared of anyone they face.
FIFA Ranking: 46
Odds of Winning: Slim Chance
One to Watch: Aaron Wan-Bissaka recently decided to represent DR Congo on the international level, and he brings Premier League quality to the team’s defense.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is in the World Cup for the very first time, an exciting moment for the nation of 36 million. But, they have a difficult group that could cause them some problems in their debut. Still, Uzbekistan is not afraid, and they have a team that has played well together. They’re structured tactically and defensive-minded, looking for holes to exploit rather than trying to maintain a ton of possession. They hope that can help them attempt an upset or two to try and get out of the group.
FIFA Ranking: 50
Odds of Winning: Slim Chance
One to Watch: Abdukodir Khusanov plays for Manchester City, and he hopes to bring that experience to the World Cup to help Uzbekistan surprise some people.
Colombia
Two years ago, Colombia was the most dangerous team in the world. Two years later, they’re still a very dangerous team. They have found a way to put it all together and become a contender entering this World Cup. They have a great mix of talent, youth, experience, and leadership, and the core of their team is right in the prime of their careers. Even James Rodriguez is back to captain the team at what will likely be his final World Cup. Because they have the confidence and the quality, they will be a problem for any team they face, and it won’t be a surprise if they’re among the final teams left in the tournament.
FIFA Ranking: 13
Odds of Winning: Serious Contender
One to Watch: Luis Díaz is ready to truly take the world by storm at this World Cup.
Who will advance from Group K? What matches are most interesting to you? Let us know in the comments.
