Portugal and Uzbekistan tonight face off in their second Group K game of the tournament, with both nations also looking for their first win.
Portugal were held to a surprise draw with DR Congo as Uzbekistan - the first central Asian side to ever qualify for a World Cup - fell to a 3-1 loss to Colombia.
The debate surrounding Roberto Martinez’s side remains the same: will he, or Portugal, ever drop 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo?
After the No7 was criticised for robbing Bruno Fernandes of a goalscoring opportunity, Thierry Henry said: “The team needs to score, not you”.
Uzbekistan will feel confident of their chances despite a defeat to Colombia. Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov will be tasked to shackle Ronaldo.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Portugal vs Uzbekistan is scheduled for a 6pm BST kick-off tonight, Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
The match will take place at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Where to watch Portugal vs Uzbekistan for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage starting at 5pm BST.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via ITVX app or the channel’s website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with ITVX app and their websites.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan team news
All the talk about the Portugal squad surrounds Ronaldo, but this does a disservice to their other talents: Fernandes, Vitinha, Neves and new Real Madrid signing Bernardo Silva form the tournament’s best midfield.
Ruben Dias was a notable absentee from the starting XI in their opener, with Martinez revealing the Manchester City was “not 100% fit”.
Portugal squad: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Tomas Araujo, Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos
Khusanov, 21, is Uzbekistan’s leading light after his £40m move to City last year, while their goalscorer against Colombia, Abbosbek Fayzullaev can threaten the A Selecao’s backline.
But it's Uzbek veteran Eldor Shomorudov who is the real dangerman here: Shomorudov has 44 goals in 93 caps for his country. If he finds his shooting boots here the debutants could cause another upset.
Uzbekistan squad: Utkir Yusupov, Botirali Ergashev, Abduvokhid Nematov, Avazbek Ulmasaliev, Jakhongir Urozov, Rustamjon Ashurmatov, Umarbek Eshmurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Farrukh Sayfiev, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Behruz Karimov, Sherzod Esanov, Umarali Rakhmonaliev, Akmal Mozgovoy, Otabek Shukurov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Azizjon Ganiev, Abbosek Fayzullaev, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Oston Urunov, Azizbek Amonov, Igor Sergeev, Eldor Shomurodov
Portugal vs Uzbekistan prediction
With such a strong midfield, Portugal should be able to dictate play against almost any team in the tournament, but against DR Congo their only shot on target was Neves’ early header - clearly it’s not leading into enough attacks.
Will that change with this game? CR7 will be up front again, so I’m not sure it will.
But Uzbekistan lack pedigree at this level, and a single goal could decide it.
Portugal to win, 1-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The two sides have never played each other before.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan match odds
Odds from World Cup betting sites, subject to change.
