Portugal face Uzbekistan in must-win World Cup clash as Ronaldo seeks redemption

Portugal will take on Uzbekistan on Tuesday at NRG Stadium in Houston in a crucial Group K match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the pre-tournament favourites needing a victory to revive their campaign after a disappointing 1–1 draw against Congo DR in their opener.

Portugal dominated possession against Congo DR, completing 783 passes and holding 75% of the ball—the highest of any team in the tournament—but managed only seven shots and just one on target, a sixth-minute header from João Neves. The lack of creativity and finishing in the final third has drawn sharp criticism, with much of the focus falling on captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who has now gone ten major tournament appearances without a goal.

Coach Roberto Martínez has publicly defended the 41-year-old forward, calling him a “role model” and insisting that “the numbers support him” regarding his movement and ability to create space for teammates. However, Martínez declined to confirm whether Ronaldo would start against Uzbekistan, saying he had not informed his players of the lineup. Reports indicate that winger Francisco Conceição could be brought into the starting XI to add more attacking impetus, while central defender Rúben Dias is expected to return after recovering from a knock.

Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut, lost 3–1 to Colombia in their first match but showed signs of improvement in the second half. Coach Fabio Cannavaro, a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, acknowledged his team had been too tense in their opener but urged them to play with more fighting spirit against Portugal. “We have nothing to lose,” Cannavaro said. “We will try to do our best and stay in the game until the end.” Uzbekistan’s main threat is expected to come from counterattacks and set pieces, after forward Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored his country’s first World Cup goal against Colombia.

A win for Portugal would put them level on points with Colombia at the top of Group K and ease pressure ahead of their final group match. A draw or loss would leave them facing a tense finale against Colombia and potentially risk elimination. Colombia will face Congo DR in the other group match on Tuesday, and a second consecutive victory would seal their place in the knockout stage.

The match kicks off at 1 p.m. ET (17:00 GMT) and will be broadcast by Fox, Telemundo, and Peacock in the United States.