Colombia
Between 2022 and 2024, Colombia were excellent but Nestor Lorenzo’s side had dipped ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026. However, having seemingly rediscovered some form at the right time, they now need just a draw to confirm their status as Group K winners.
The Colombians began with a 3-1 defeat of Uzbekistan in Mexico City before edging past Congo DR by a goal to nil in a hard-fought contest in Guadalajara, with Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz scoring the winner – his second of the tournament.
Injuries & Team News
Nestor Lorenzo has made some surprise calls in this tournament with Richard Rios and Kevin Castano overlooked in defensive midfield in preference of a Jefferson Lerma-Gustavo Puerta pivot.
Further forward, Sporting CP striker Luis Suarez may now be coming under pressure for his spot from Real Betis’ Cucho Hernandez but any changes would appear unlikely, with Suarez set to recover from a shoulder issue.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-0 vs DR Congo |
L L W W W W
|
Predicted Line-Up
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma; Arias, James, Diaz; Suarez
Portugal
Portugal come into this one on the back of thrashing debutant minnows Uzbekistan by five goals to nil in their second game in Houston, with captain Cristiano Ronaldo grabbing a much-needed brace alongside a Nuno Mendes free-kick, an Abduvohid Nematov own goal and a late Rafael Leao strike.
Roberto Martinez came under intense pressure to drop Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal laboured to a 1-1 draw with Congo DR in their opening game, with the Al Nassr forward criticised for a lack of mobility up-front – something that has been mentioned at both FIFA World Cup 2022 and UEFA EURO 2024.
Injuries & Team News
Cristiano Ronaldo had gone ten major tournament matches without scoring before his brace last week and that should give Martinez license to stick with their captain up front, albeit scoring against the ilk of Uzbekistan has never really been an issue.
Ruben Dias returned to the eleven against Uzbekistan with Tomas Araujo missing out due to an injury. Rafael Leao may now pinch a spot on the wing that has now been occupied by Bernardo Silva and then Joao Felix from the start.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 5-0 vs Uzbekistan | D W D D D W |
Predicted Line-Up
Iran possible starting lineup:
Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Hajsafi, Kanaani; Mohebi, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Jahanbakhsh; Taremi
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Colombia Win | 27/10 – (3.70) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 3/1 – (4.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Portugal Win | 21/20 – (1.95) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Colombia 2-1 Portugal
I have been impressed with Colombia so far albeit against opposition you would expect them to beat. Portugal on the other hand once again are flattering to decieve and i can’t trusr them to get the job done here, It wouldn’t surprise me to see Colombia nick a win here.