Group K predictions: FIFA World Cup 2026
by Alex Lawes ·
Updated
As we build up to FIFA World Cup 2026, Group K comes under the spotlight as we assess the prospects of Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Fixtures
Matchday 1
Portugal vs Congo DR
Uzbekistan vs Colombia
Matchday 2
Portugal vs Uzbekistan
Colombia vs Congo DR
Matchday 3
Colombia vs Portugal
Congo DR vs Uzbekistan
Click here for a full breakdown of kick-off dates and times for FIFA World Cup 2026!
Group K of FIFA World Cup 2026 sees one of the red-hot favourites for the title, Portugal, alongside one of the so-called ‘dark horses’, Colombia, as well as a Democratic Republic of Congo side back at a FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974 and debutants Uzbekistan.
Roberto Martinez’ Portugal contain a star-studded squad with an incredible assortment of midfield players such as Joao Neves and Vitinha, who have dominated Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield with back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles. In attack, Portugal still rely on Cristiano Ronaldo for the bulk of their goal scoring output as ‘CR7’ gets set to appear in a sixth World Cup.
Nestor Lorenzo led Colombia to the final of the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America and the South Americans were brilliant between 2022 and 2024 in particular. As you would expect when it comes to the World Cup, they will pose stiff opposition to anyone they play.
Congo DR competed well to finish just below Senegal in CAF qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026 before then getting past both Cameroon and Nigeria in the African playoffs. They then managed to squeeze them through into the 48-team tournament with an Inter-Confederation Playoff victory against Jamaica after extra-time.
Uzbekistan are FIFA World Cup debutants, having been coached by Srecko Katanec and Timur Kapadze. Since confirming their qualification, the Uzbeks have since appointed 2006 FIFA World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro. Cannavaro’s Uzbeks will be expected to be awkward to play against this summer but it is a very difficult group for them.
The final group game between Portugal and Colombia could decide top spot in an even group headlined by those two but Congo DR will be expected to also be a tough team to come up against.
Uzbekistan lack genuine quality within their squad and will be reliant on Abdukodir Khusanov to keep things right in Group K. Portugal should come out on top ahead of Colombia but Congo DR will fancy themselves to make it through into the knockout stages too as one of the top eight third-place finishers.
Predicted group placements
1st: Portugal
2nd: Colombia
3rd: Congo DR
4th: Uzbekistan
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