FIFA World Cup 2026, Portugal vs Uzbekistan Preview: Portugal Under Pressure as Ronaldo Spotlight Intensifies

Published 23 June 2026 · sports

FIFA World Cup 2026, Portugal vs Uzbekistan Preview: Portugal Under Pressure as Ronaldo Spotlight Intensifies Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 13:59 IST Portugal

FIFA World Cup 2026, Portugal vs Uzbekistan Preview: Portugal Under Pressure as Ronaldo Spotlight Intensifies Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 13:59 IST Portugal need a response after a frustrating draw with DR Congo. Uzbekistan sense an opportunity as Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal drought remains under scrutiny. Rapid Read (Credit: AP) Portugal head into their second Group K match knowing a big response is needed. A 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their World Cup opener fell well short of expectations for a side widely tipped as one of the tournament favourites. Another underwhelming result would leave Roberto Martínez’s men needing a positive outcome against an impressive Colombia side in their final group game just to guarantee passage to the knockout rounds. That pressure creates an opportunity for Uzbekistan. The World Cup debutants were comfortably beaten by Colombia in their opening match, but they will have taken note of DR Congo’s disciplined performance against Portugal.

If they can replicate that blueprint and frustrate Martínez’s side, another upset could be on the cards. On paper, Portugal possess one of the strongest squads in the tournament. Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, João Neves and Bernardo Silva form a midfield capable of controlling matches against almost anyone. The problem, however, is turning possession into meaningful chances. Portugal managed just one shot on target against DR Congo, an early header from Neves, raising fresh questions about the balance of the team and its attacking approach. Unsurprisingly, much of the conversation has centred on Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal captain is now 41 and has gone 10 major tournament appearances without scoring for his country. Martínez has remained loyal to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, but if that drought continues, scrutiny around the decision will only intensify. There are, however, reasons for optimism.

Ronaldo has still scored in six of his last nine international appearances, suggesting reports of his decline may be exaggerated. Team News One key selection issue concerns Rúben Dias, who missed the opening match. Martínez revealed the Manchester City defender was “not 100% fit", and his availability remains a significant talking point. For Uzbekistan, Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov is the emerging star after his £40 million move to England, while Abbosbek Fayzullaev showed his quality with a goal against Colombia. The biggest threat, though, remains veteran striker Eldor Shomurodov. The forward has scored 44 goals in 93 international appearances and will relish any opportunities that come his way. Prediction Portugal should dominate possession and eventually find a breakthrough. But after their struggles in the opener, expectations of a comfortable victory feel premature. Prediction: Portugal 1-0 Uzbekistan. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas.