World Cup 2026 Group K Preview: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Ronaldo attends his sixth World Cup, which means we haven't had a World Cup without a star named "Ronaldo" since 1990. The Al Nassr star slightly overshadows an absolutely formidable Portugal squad that should rack up plenty of goals. DR Congo returns to the Copa for the first time since they were Zaire, Uzbekistan debuts, and Colombia brings the flair (and also lots of goals). Here's what to know.

Portugal (Seleção das Quinas)

Coach Roberto Martínez

Hot take. Ronaldo's last World Cup, or is it? The man can't move like he once could, but he can still strike the ball like nobody's business.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is playing in a record sixth World Cup, chasing the only major international trophy missing from his career."

Word from home. Coach Roberto Martínez, channeling Otto Glória's famous line before Portugal's first World Cup in 1966:

"Let us dream. Why not?" Roberto Martínez, Record

The story. It would be nice to think his team has such a good chance of winning the trophy because of Ronaldo, but it's not. In fact it's not even the generation after him. It's the next generation featuring Vitinha, Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, and Francisco Conceicao. The question is, will Martinez feel obligated to play Ronaldo, when others might take the team further?

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives Portugal a 94.9 percent chance of the round of 32 and a 59.0 percent chance of topping the group.

One thing to read. Cristiano Ronaldo: Probably the Most Gifted Athlete in History, ESPN (2018)

DR Congo (Leopards)

Coach Sébastien Desabre

Hot take. DR Congo get a win, after a 50 year wait to return to the World Cup.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "DR Congo are back at a World Cup for the first time in 52 years, since they played as Zaïre in 1974."

Word from home. Congolese coverage was unconvinced by Sébastien Desabre's selection:

"a list without daring that raises questions." MediaCongo

The story. The story is the same as the above, DR Congo are back at the World Cup after a 52-year wait. They are not just among the group. They have a chance to make noise.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives DR Congo a 22.1 percent chance of the round of 32, tied with Uzbekistan behind the two favorites.

One thing to read. Cédric Bakambu's Gesture, Africa Is a Country (2025)

Uzbekistan (White Wolves)

Coach Timur Kapadze

Hot take. The debutant nobody is taking seriously, with a Manchester City defender and absolutely nothing to lose.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Uzbekistan are at their first-ever World Cup, and their best-known player, defender Abdukodir Khusanov, plays his club football for Manchester City."

Word from home. Coach Timur Kapadze, setting the tone for a first World Cup:

"We're going to the World Cup to play football, not to eat ice cream." Timur Kapadze, Gazeta.uz

The story. Abdukodir Khusanov and Abbosbek Fayzullayev both have the talent to will this team to a draw, at least, then who knows what happens.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives Uzbekistan a 22.1 percent chance of the round of 32.

One thing to read. Uzbekistan Finally Banish Past Demons, The Asian Game (2025)

Colombia (Los Cafeteros)

Coach Néstor Lorenzo

Hot take. Colombia moves on to the Round of 16, and somewhere Carlos Valderrama sheds a single tear.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Only Argentina scored more goals than Colombia in South American qualifying."

Word from home. Coach Néstor Lorenzo, after a send-off win over Costa Rica:

"I have faith we'll have a great World Cup." Néstor Lorenzo, El Universal

The story. Luiz Diaz has on an absolute tear and James Rodriguez likely attends his final World Cup.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives Colombia an 84.9 percent chance of the round of 32, comfortably second in the group.

One thing to read. Carlos Valderrama and Colombia's Golden Weirdness, Goals Without Borders.

Group K: Fixtures to watch / predictions

Fixtures to watch.

• Wed, Jun 17: Portugal vs DR Congo, 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Tue, Jun 23: Portugal vs Uzbekistan, 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Tue, Jun 23: Colombia vs DR Congo, 10:00 p.m. ET (FS1 / Telemundo)
• Sat, Jun 27: Colombia vs Portugal, 7:30 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)

The call.