Ronaldo, Portugal play Uzbekistan in World Cup: prediction and team news
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal face Uzbekistan in a must-win Group K match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the race for the round of
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal face Uzbekistan in a must-win Group K match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the race for the round of 32 intensifies. The 2026 World Cup will have 13 different kickoff times. You can use the Al Jazeera Sport widget to find out exactly when your team is playing in your local time. Who: Portugal vs Uzbekistan What: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match Where: NRG Stadium, Houston When: Tuesday, 12pm local time (17:00 GMT) How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 13:00 GMT ahead of our live text commentary stream. A day after Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time highest scorer, the focus shifts to his great rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, with the football world braced for a bounce-back performance from the ageing superstar forward in Portugal’s meeting with Uzbekistan. After being held to a shock 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their tournament opener, Portugal need a win to revive their knockout qualification hopes. And for Ronaldo, who had a largely anonymous display in his first appearance, the match offers a chance at redemption, as he plays catch-up with the rest of the in-form strikers in North America. Tournament debutants Uzbekistan, on the other hand, head into the game on the back of a 3-1 defeat by Colombia, needing at least a draw to avoid elimination. Here is all you need to know about Portugal vs Uzbekistan before the fixture ‘It is a process’: Martinez after Portugal’s lacklustre start Portugal drew criticism for their performance against DR Congo, especially for their weakness in the final third.
The two-time UEFA Nations League winners had the lion’s share of possession against the African side, but produced seven shots with only one on target. Coach Roberto Martinez said his players started that match brightly but lost discipline and structure after the first 20 minutes. It is something they are looking to improve on against underdogs Uzbekistan. “We are strong and focused,” Martinez said. “And our group is even more united than before. It is a process. Tension is not part of our team. “It’s normal to have criticism after a poor result. Sometimes it’s unfair or negative, but it is not part of how we prepare.” Martinez refused to say whether Ronaldo would start the match, amid calls for the 41-year-old centre-forward to be benched. The coach, however, described him as a “role model” for the team, who are considered outside favourites for the tournament. Uzbekistan ‘have nothing to lose’, says coach Cannavaro As one of the four debutants at the tournament, Uzbekistan arrived in North America on the back of a historic run, their youthful side grabbing the spotlight in Asian football. Even though their campaign started with a loss to Colombia, Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s first-ever goal for Uzbekistan at a World Cup gave millions back home a reason to rejoice. Now, as they prepare to face a talented Portugal squad – featuring Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao and others – Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro has urged the team to put up a stronger fight. “As I have always said, we have nothing to lose,” said Cannavaro, who led Italy to the 2006 World Cup as captain.
The BriefWire