Portugal will be aiming to earn their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they square-off against debutants Uzbekistan in a Group K clash on Tuesday.
The 2016 Euros winners and their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo were left frustrated after DR Congo fought back to earn a 1-1 draw last Wednesday in the African nation's return to the World Cup after 52 years. Uzbekistan's introduction to the FIFA World Cup wasn't a memorable one as they lost their first match of the tournament to Colombia who have returned to this stage after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Portugal will be eager to secure their first win of the tournament, while Uzbekistan can take encouragement from the performances of fellow World Cup debutants Cabo Verde and Curaçao, both of whom have already claimed valuable points with impressive draws against more established opposition.
Match Time, Venue
The game will begin at 10:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time on Tuesday. The match will be played at the NRG Stadium in Houston.
Referee
Jalal Jayed will be the referee for this match
Head-to-Head
This is the first time these two teams will be playing each other in an international game.
Form Guide
- Portugal: D-W-W-W-D
- Uzbekistan: L-L-L-D-D
Portugal Squad
- Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho
- Defenders: Tomas Araujo, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes, Matheus Nunes, Nelson Semedo, Renato Veiga
- Midfielders: Samuel Costa, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha
- Forwards: Francisco Conceicao, Joao Felix, Goncalo Guedes, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, Goncalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Francisco Trincao
Possible Starting 11: Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Francisco Conceição, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão
Coach: Roberto Martinez
Uzbekistan Squad
- Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov, Abduvohid Nematov, Botirali Ergashev.
- Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Sherzod Nasrullaev , Umar Eshmurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov , Abdulla Abdullaev, Bekhruz Karimov , Jakhongir Urozov, Avazbek Ulmasaliev
- Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov, Jaloliddin Masharipov , Odiljon Hamrobekov , Oston Urunov , Jamshid Iskanderov , Dostonbek Khamdamov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Akmal Mozgovoy , Azizjon Ganiev, Sherzod Esanov .
- Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov, Igor Sergeev, Azizbek Amonov
Possible Starting 11: Utkir Yusupov; Farrukh Sayfiev, Rustam Ashurmatov, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Abdukodir Khusanov; Jaloliddin Masharipov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev; Igor Sergeev, Eldor Shomurodov.
Coach: Fabio Cannavaro
Players to Watch
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal): Bruno Fernandes had a dream run with Manchester United during the 2025-26 club season where he created the new record of most assists in a Premier League season with 21. He was also named the Premier League Player of the Season. Bruno needs to come good against Uzbekistan in order to help Portugal earn their first win of the tournament.
- Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan): Khusanov made history by becoming the first player from Uzbekistan to play in the Premier League when he was signed by Manchester City.
How To Watch Live Telecast?
The Portugal vs Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup 2026 match will be televised live in India on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD television channels.
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How To Watch Live Streaming?
The Portugal vs Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup 2026 game will be streamed live on the ZEE5 app and website in English, Malayalam, Bangla and Hindi.
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