Portugal x Uzbekistan predictions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Portugal faces Uzbekistan this Tuesday (23), at 2 pm (Brasília time), at NRG Stadium, in Houston, in the second round of Group K of the 2026 World Cup. After the 1-1 draw in the debut against the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Portuguese come under pressure and with the obligation to win to remain firm in the fight for classification.
Most predictions point to a Portuguese triumph, with scores between 2-0 and 3-0. Bookmakers reinforce this view: Portugal appears as the big favorite, with low odds for victory. Uzbekistan, who lost 3-1 to Colombia in their debut, must rely on a tight defense, but have little chance of scoring.
Main predictions for the game
- Portugal’s victory: The safest option. The European team has a superior squad and needs to react at home.
- Portugal wins and scores more than 1.5 goals: Good for those looking for value, as the team must dominate the actions.
- Under 3.5 goals in the game: Comfortable scoring trend, but without an exaggerated rout against a compact team.
- Cristiano Ronaldo scores at any time: Prediction with emotional appeal, as the captain seeks redemption after his discreet debut.
- Both teams to score: No: Uzbekistan has difficulty creating against strong teams.
Probable lineups influence predictions
Portugal should return with Rúben Dias in defense and more offensive options in attack, which reinforces the expectation of control of the game.
Portugal (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves; Francisco Conceição (or Bernardo Silva), Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto (or Rafael Leão); Cristiano Ronaldo. Coach: Roberto Martínez.
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Uzbekistan (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. Coach: Fabio Cannavaro.
The Portuguese midfield, with Vitinha, Neves and Fernandes, should dictate the pace, while Uzbekistan will try to explore counterattacks with Fayzullaev and Shomurodov.
What’s at stake in Group K
A win puts Portugal at the top of the table ahead of a head-to-head clash with Colombia. For Uzbekistan, it’s practically the last realistic chance to score points in the group stage. The referee will be Jalal Jayed, from Morocco.
Where to watch live
Broadcast on CazéTV (YouTube), Betano and Prime Video. Follow updates in real time on specialized portals.
