2026 World Cup: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan, Probable Lineups

Portugal and Uzbekistan face off at 7 p.m. (Italian time) in Houston in a match for the second matchday of Group K of the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It’s not an easy time for Cristiano Ronaldo: his rival Lionel Messi is scoring goals by the bucketful with Argentina (five in two games), while CR7’s leadership on the field has been heavily questioned in Portugal following the former Juventus, Real Madrid, and Manchester United forward’s recent poor performances.

Coach Martinez is in a decidedly uncomfortable position, but the Portuguese manager cannot bench the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is untouchable and will start from the 1st minute as the lone striker, with Neto, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva behind him. After a disappointing draw with the Congo, Portugal must win against Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan, which lost on the first matchday to Colombia—now atop the group.

The 2006 World Cup champion is relying on the attacking trio of Shomurodov, Uronov, and Fayzullaev up front. In midfield are Mozgovoy and Shukurov, with Karimov and Narsullaev on the wings. A loss would eliminate the Asian side from the tournament.

Portugal vs. Uzbekistan: Probable Lineups
PORTUGAL (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Araujo, Veiga, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha; Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo. Head Coach: Martinez.
UZBEKISTAN (3-4-3): Yusupov; Kushanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Narsullaev; Fayzullaev, Urunov, Shomurodov. Head Coach: Cannavaro