Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup features Portugal alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan and DR Congo. Here is a breakdown of all four sides.
Portugal
Roberto Martinez’s side arrive as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo – 41 years old and appearing at a record sixth World Cup – is the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football with 143 goals.
Portugal won the Nations League in 2025 and qualified by winning UEFA Group F – including a stunning 9-1 victory over Armenia. Their best World Cup finish remains third place in 1966.
Players to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) and Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United).
Colombia
One of the tournament’s dark horses. Nestor Lorenzo’s side qualified third in CONMEBOL with 28 points and reached the Copa America 2024 final before losing to Argentina.
James Rodriguez – 34 and at his likely final World Cup – pairs with Luis Diaz, who scored seven qualifying goals while starring for Bayern Munich. Their best finish remains the quarter-finals at Brazil 2014.
Players to watch: Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich) and James Rodriguez (Minnesota United).
Uzbekistan
History makers. Uzbekistan become the first Central Asian nation ever to reach the World Cup – qualifying as AFC Group A runners-up behind Iran in June 2025. They are led by Fabio Cannavaro – Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain and Ballon d’Or winner – appointed in October 2025.
Eldor Shomurodov is the all-time top scorer with 44 goals. Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov is their most recognisable European-based player.
Players to watch: Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Basaksehir and Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City).
DR Congo
The Leopards return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 – when they competed as Zaire. Sebastien Desabre’s side beat Jamaica 1-0 in extra time in the intercontinental playoff on 31 March 2026.
This is only their second ever World Cup appearance and first under the DR Congo name.
Players to watch: Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United) and Chancel Mbemba (Lille).
Portugal are the clear favourites to top Group K. The battle for second place between Colombia and Uzbekistan is the group’s most compelling storyline – with DR Congo hoping to cause a historic upset.
The fixtures
17 Jun: Portugal vs DR Congo – NRG Stadium, Houston – 19:00 SAST
18 Jun: Uzbekistan vs Colombia – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 04:00 SAST
23 Jun: Portugal vs Uzbekistan – NRG Stadium, Houston – 19:00 SAST
24 Jun: Colombia vs DR Congo – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara – 04:00 SAST
28 Jun: Colombia vs Portugal – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami – 01:30 SAST
28 Jun: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 01:30 SAST
Photo: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
