Does Vitinha play today? Where to watch Portugal vs Uzbekistan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Vitinha emerges as a fundamental piece for Portugal to seek recovery in the 2026 World Cup. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder should set the pace this Tuesday (23), at 2 pm (Brasília time), at the NRG Stadium, in Houston, against Uzbekistan, in the second round of Group K. After the 1-1 draw in the debut against the Democratic Republic of Congo, the player could be the team’s brains on the field.
With excellent vision of the game, precise passes and the ability to get forward, Vitinha helps link defense and attack. His presence alongside João Neves and Bruno Fernandes forms a high-level midfield, capable of controlling possession and creating chances for Cristiano Ronaldo and company.
Probable Portugal lineup (4-2-3-1)
Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves; João Félix, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto (or Rafael Leão); Cristiano Ronaldo.Technical:Roberto Martinez.
The return of Rúben Dias in defense gives Vitinha more peace of mind moving forward. The midfielder can appear as a finishing option or distribute decisive balls for the attack.
Uzbekistan will feel the pressure from the Portuguese midfield
Fabio Cannavaro must try to neutralize the Vitinha-Neves-Fernandes trio with strong marking. Uzbekistan, exhausted after a 3-1 defeat to Colombia, relies on Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Eldor Shomurodov for counterattacks.
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Uzbekistan’s probable lineup (3-4-2-1)
Utkir Yusupov; Abdukodir Khusanov, Jasurbek Urozov (or Rustam Ashurmatov), Abdurauf Abdullaev; Bekzod Karimov, Aleksandr Mozgovoy, Otabek Shukurov, Farrukh Sayfiev; Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Odiljon Khamrobekov; Eldor Shomurodov.Technical:Fabio Cannavaro.
Predictions indicate Portugal as favorite with a dominant midfield
Predictions point to a 2-0 or 3-0 Portuguese victory, with Vitinha tipped to shine in the game distribution. The clash is an opportunity for the team to regain control of Group K.
Where to watch
Live broadcast on CazéTV (YouTube), Betano and Prime Video. Follow Vitinha’s performance on sports portals.
