Probable lineup Portugal x Uzbekistan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Portugal faces Uzbekistan this Tuesday (23), at 2pm (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 team needs a victory to take the lead in the group and ease the pressure on coach Roberto Martínez.
The main focus of the Portuguese preparation is on the likely changes in the lineup. Rúben Dias, recovered from injury, should return to defense, while the attack gains more dynamic options with the possible entry of Francisco Conceição. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the absolute starter, motivated to respond to criticism after his debut without any shots.
Probable Portugal lineup (4-2-3-1)
Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga (or Gonçalo Inácio), Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves; Francisco Conceição (or Bernardo Silva), Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto (or Rafael Leão); Cristiano Ronaldo.Technical:Roberto Martinez.
The midfield remains strong with Vitinha, João Neves and Bruno Fernandes, responsible for creation and balance. The defense gains solidity with the return of Dias, who should replace Tomás Araújo, a doubt with muscle discomfort. On the flanks, Cancelo and Mendes offer offensive depth.
Uzbekistan bets on low block with Fayzullaev and Shomurodov
On the Asian side, Fabio Cannavaro must maintain the defensive structure that complicated Colombia’s life in the debut, despite the 3-1 defeat. Uzbekistan, bottom of the group with zero points, needs to score to stay alive in the competition. Abbosbek Fayzullaev, scorer of the first Uzbek goal in World Cups, and Eldor Shomurodov are the main threats in 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 (or Oston Urunov); Eldor Shomurodov.Technical:Fabio Cannavaro.
The Asian team has injury doubts, especially in defense and midfield, which could force last-minute adjustments. The strategy must be one of compaction to neutralize Portuguese talent and explore spaces at speed.
Why Lineups Matter
The return of Rúben Dias significantly improves the Portuguese ball flow, while the presence of fast attackers like Conceição and Neto can open up the Uzbek defense. For Uzbekistan, keeping Fayzullaev and Shomurodov sharp is essential to dream of surprise. Referee Jalal Jayed, from Morocco, commands the match.
Where to watch
The game will be broadcast live on CazéTV (YouTube), Betano and Prime Video. Also follow real-time updates on the main sports websites.
