World Cup 2026 Group K guide: Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan players, fixtures and rankings

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Portugal will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign in Group K, where they have been drawn alongside Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan.

Roberto Martinez’s side are clear favourites, but Colombia look well placed to challenge. DR Congo return to the tournament for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire, while Uzbekistan are making their World Cup debut.

With the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams from each group advance, along with the eight best third-placed sides. Portugal lead the group on paper, but Colombia have the attacking quality to make things interesting, while both DR Congo and Uzbekistan will see third place as a realistic target.

Portugal

Group K has given Portugal a draw they should handle. They open against DR Congo, then face Uzbekistan before finishing against Colombia. Anything less than top spot would be a disappointment for one of the tournament’s strongest squads.

Roberto Martinez’s side are not just living off reputation. They are ranked fifth by FIFA, qualified as UEFA Group F winners, and the Opta supercomputer rates them among the favourites.

Cristiano Ronaldo will draw the headlines if he makes his sixth World Cup appearance, but this team is far from a one-man show. Bruno Fernandes provides creativity and tempo, while Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Joao Neves offer control in midfield. Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes anchor a strong back line.

The Portugal squad features Diogo Costa, Jose Sa and Rui Silva in goal; Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo, Diogo Dalot, Renato Veiga, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Samu Costa and Nuno Mendes in defence; Matheus Nunes, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Neves, Ruben Neves and Vitinha in midfield; and Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, Goncalo Guedes and Francisco Conceicao up front.

FIFA ranking: 5th.

Best World Cup result: Third place in 1966.

Key players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leao.

Portugal’s opener against DR Congo should set the tone. They have the quality to control that match, but the final game against Colombia will be the real test of whether they are just topping the group or making a statement.

The main question is balance. Portugal have the players to dominate, but they need to find a clear identity quickly. Anything less than first place would be a missed opportunity.

Colombia

Colombia look best placed to challenge Portugal, thanks to their proven attacking quality. That matters in tournament football.

Nestor Lorenzo’s side finished third in CONMEBOL qualifying and arrive ranked 13th by FIFA. They scored 28 goals in qualifying, second only to Argentina. Luis Diaz netted seven, while James Rodriguez provided seven assists.

Colombia’s squad has enough talent to make this more than a routine group for Portugal. Diaz offers direct threat from wide areas, James supplies delivery and control, and Jhon Arias adds creativity. At the back, Davinson Sanchez, Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma bring structure.

The Colombia squad includes David Ospina, Camilo Vargas and Alvaro Montero in goal; Daniel Munoz, Jhon Lucumi, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Gustavo Puerta, Johan Mojica, Willer Ditta, Deiver Machado and Davinson Sanchez in defence; Kevin Castano, Richard Rios, Jorge Carrascal, James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias, Juan Portilla, Jefferson Lerma and Juan Quintero in midfield; and Luis Diaz, Jhon Cordoba, Cucho Hernandez, Jaminton Campaz, Luis Suarez and Andres Gomez in attack.

FIFA ranking: 13th.

Best World Cup result: Quarter-finals in 2014.

Key players: Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias, Davinson Sanchez, Daniel Munoz.

Colombia need to start strongly against Uzbekistan. Three points there would set them up well before facing DR Congo and Portugal.

The final game against Portugal could decide the group. Colombia may not have the same depth, but their attacking rhythm could make things uncomfortable for the favourites. They should finish second, with a real chance to push Portugal for top spot.

DR Congo

DR Congo should not be underestimated. They have had a tougher path to the tournament than most teams in the group.

Sebastien Desabre’s side qualified through Intercontinental Play-Off Path A, beating Cameroon, Nigeria and Jamaica along the way. That is a serious achievement, and it gives their return to the World Cup real significance.

Ranked 46th by FIFA, this is DR Congo’s first appearance under their current name, having played as Zaire in 1974.

Their squad has enough European-level experience to be competitive. Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu provide attacking threat, Chancel Mbemba and Aaron Wan-Bissaka anchor the defence, and Noah Sadiki and Charles Pickel add bite in midfield.

The DR Congo squad includes Lionel Mpasi, Timothy Fayulu and Matthieu Epolo in goal; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Steve Kapaudi, Axel Tuanzebe, Dylan Batubinsika, Joris Kayembe, Chancel Mbemba, Gedeon Kalulu and Arthur Masuaku in defence; Ngalayel Mukau, Nathanael Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Theo Bongonda, Noah Sadiki, Aaron Tshibola, Charles Pickel and Edo Kayembe in midfield; and Brian Cipenga, Gael Kakuta, Meschack Elia, Cedric Bakambu, Fiston Mayele, Yoane Wissa and Simon Banza in attack.

FIFA ranking: 46th.

Best World Cup result: Group stage in 1974, as Zaire.

Key players: Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu, Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Noah Sadiki.

The schedule is tough, with Portugal and Colombia up first. DR Congo could be under pressure by the time they face Uzbekistan, but that final game offers a clear path. One win and a decent goal difference could be enough in this format.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan have the most to prove in Group K, but they also have the most to gain.

This is their first World Cup appearance, and that alone is an achievement. Fabio Cannavaro’s side qualified with just one loss in 16 matches, so they should not be underestimated.

Their path to making an impact is clear. They need discipline, compact defending and big moments from key players. Eldor Shomurodov leads the line, Abdukodir Khusanov organises the defence, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Jaloliddin Masharipov provide the creative spark.

The Uzbekistan squad includes Utkir Yusupov, Abduvohid Nematov and Botirali Ergashev in goal; Abdukodir Khusanov, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Rustam Ashurmatov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Umar Eshmurodov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Behruzjon Karimov, Avazbek Ulmasaliyev and Jakhongir Urozov in defence; Akmal Mozgovoy, Otabek Shukurov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Odiljon Xamrobekov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Oston Urunov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Azizjon Ganiev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Sherzod Esanov in midfield; and Eldor Shomurodov, Azizbek Amonov and Igor Sergeev up front.

FIFA ranking: 50th.

Best World Cup result: Debut appearance.

Key players: Eldor Shomurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Otabek Shukurov.

The first two matches against Colombia and Portugal will be tough, testing Uzbekistan’s concentration and defensive organisation. But the final fixture against DR Congo could give them a real chance to end their debut campaign on a high.

Group K has a clear shape. Portugal are favourites to finish top, with Colombia expected to push them close. DR Congo look slightly better equipped than Uzbekistan to challenge for third, but Uzbekistan’s strong qualifying record means they cannot be overlooked.

While Portugal are the headline team, the group should not be seen as a one-horse race. Colombia add real competition, and both DR Congo and Uzbekistan have enough motivation to target third place as a genuine route to the knockout stage.