PORTUGAL captain Cristiano Ronaldo is missing just the Fifa World Cup trophy in his cabinet.
Group K features a mix of seasoned veterans and newcomers at the 2026 World Cup. Portugal is aiming for its best performance at the global showpiece since the 1966 tournament, when the team was led by Eusébio.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play in his final World Cup, so the expectations will be on him to carry the team to new heights. Meanwhile, DR Congo and Colombia are expected to play second and third fiddle to A Seleção in the tournament.
Finally, Uzbekistan enters as the underdogs, with all three other teams likely viewing them as a potential source of easy points. However, with coach Fabio Cannavaro – who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006 – at the helm, they will be looking to throw a spanner in the works and pull off a surprise or two.
Portugal is one of the favourites to lift the World Cup, buoyed by players who had impressive seasons at the club level. Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and João Neves won the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain; Bruno Fernandes was crowned the best player in the English Premier League; and Cristiano Ronaldo won the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr.
