Portugal
Portugal began their World Cup 2026 campaign with an underwhelming 1-1 draw with DR Congo. It all started well with Joao Neves heading them into an early lead. Despite 75% possession the failed to add the second goal and were punished on the stroke of half-time when Newcastle Utd striker Yoane Wissa headed home. This was the only shot on goal faced by Portugal.
So often this multi talented Portugal squad have failed to deliever and this was another of those, Roberto Martinez is having the same issues he had with “The Golden Generation” of Belgium players. he just can’t deliever the results.
The “Major” problem that not many want to talk about is Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al Nassr man is clearly not the player he was in his prime but he still holds a strong hold over the national team, he was a passenger vs DR Congo and the question is has Martinez got enough about him to put the team before the superstar.
Injuries & Team News
Ruben Dias was a notable absentee from Portugal’s starting lineup in their opener last week, with Martinez revealing that the Manchester City defender was “not 100% fit”.
There is a chance Dias could return to the side after recently picking up a knock, although he may not be risked, with Portugal possessing enough cover to potentially save him for the clash with Colombia.
Despite Ronaldo being heavily criticised after his performance against DR Congo, the captain is expected to retain his place in the team on Tuesday.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-1 vs DR Congo | W D W W W D |
Predicted Line-Up
Portugal possible starting lineup:
Costa; Cancelo, Araujo, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Silva, Neto, Ronaldo
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan may have lost the opening game 3-1 to Colombia but there was some positive signs for coach Fabio Cannavaro, the former World Cup winner saw his side hold their own against one of South America’s best teams for the most part.
Eventually the gulf in class became evident and Colombia got the three points, Uzbekistan went behind in the first half via Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Munoz before Abbosbek Fayzullaev brought Uzbekistan level in the second half. Luis Diaz re-established Colombia’s lead before Jaminton Campaz made it 3-1 late on, although Uzbekistan did have their chance late on themselves to show that they aren’t going to be outright walkovers.
Injuries & Team News
For Uzbekistan, Khojiakbar Alijonov is among the players who could be considered for a starting berth, with Cannavaro having decisions to make in order to give his side the best chance of taking something from the game.
The Italian coach is expected to stick with a largely unchanged lineup despite the defeat to Colombia, with Utkir Yusupov in goal and Abdukodir Khusanov and Rustam Ashurmatov likely to continue as the central defensive pairing.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-3 vs Colombia | L W W L L L |
Predicted Line-Up
Uzbekistan possible starting lineup:
Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullayev, Urunov, Shomurodov
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal Win | 1/6 – (1.17) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 15/2 – (8.50) | Dream Vegas |
| Uzbekistan Win | 16/1 – (17.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Portugal 2-0 Uzbekistan
There is no way a squad as talented as this Portugal one should be struggling to beat DR Congo & Uzbekistan but the always have a stinker of a performance in them. I however don’t believe they will be as bad this time around and will pick up a routine win.