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Portugal’s national team, also known as A Selecao, will take on Uzbekistan tonight in their second Group K fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both teams still chasing their first victory of the campaign.

Portugal were surprisingly held to a draw by DR Congo in their opening match, while Uzbekistan – making their debut at a World Cup and the first Central Asian nation ever to do so – suffered a 3-1 defeat to Colombia.

One major talking point continues to revolve around head coach Roberto Martinez and his decision to keep 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup. The forward faced criticism for denying Bruno Fernandes a clear scoring chance, prompting Thierry Henry to remark, “The team needs to score, not you.”

Despite their loss to Colombia, Uzbekistan will draw confidence from aspects of their performance. Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov is expected to be tasked with containing Ronaldo.

The Portugal vs Uzbekistan clash is scheduled to begin at 6pm BST on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

TV channel: In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 5pm BST.

Live stream: UK viewers can also stream the game live online via the ITVX app or through the ITV website.

Although much of the discussion around Portugal focuses on Ronaldo, that focus overlooks the wealth of talent in their squad. Fernandes, Vitinha, Ruben Neves, and Real Madrid’s newest signing Bernardo Silva make up one of the most formidable midfields in the tournament.

Ruben Dias was notably absent from the starting lineup in the opener, with Martinez revealing the Manchester City defender 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, has become Uzbekistan’s standout star following his £40 million transfer to Manchester City last year. Their goal scorer against Colombia, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, is also capable of testing Portugal’s defence. Veteran striker Eldor Shomurodov remains Uzbekistan’s main attacking threat, with 44 goals from 93 international appearances. If he finds his form tonight, the debutants could spring a surprise.

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’s exceptional midfield should enable them to control possession against most opponents. However, their lack of attacking output in the draw with DR Congo – where Ruben Neves’ early header was their only shot on target – remains a concern.

Whether that changes tonight remains to be seen. With Ronaldo leading the line once again, questions persist about Portugal’s attacking balance.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, lack experience at this level, so a single goal may decide the match.

Prediction: Portugal to win 1-0.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Portugal and Uzbekistan.

All odds quoted are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose.