FIFA World Cup Group K 2026 Preview

FIFA World Cup Group K 2026 matches will be played from June 17 to 27. The main favorite in Group K is Portugal, while Colombia returns to the tournament after missing the 2022 World Cup and is a strong candidate to finish second.

DR Congo will play at the World Cup for the second time in the country’s history and for the first time since 1974, while Uzbekistan makes its FIFA World Cup debut and is the group underdog.

Here, we provide a team overview, the full group schedule and betting odds.

FIFA World Cup Group K is not the most interesting group at the FIFA World Cup, but interesting storylines are also present here. Portugal and Colombia should fight for first place in the group, while DR Congo and Uzbekistan will battle for third place. This is one of those groups without a clear underdog.

Although Uzbekistan is identified as the underdog, it certainly cannot be said that this team will definitely finish fourth.

Since Uzbekistan and DR Congo are at a similar level, if these teams draw, there would be almost no chance of reaching the Round of 32 from third place. For that reason, both national teams should play only for victory in this match. Three points would significantly increase their chances of reaching the Round of 32.

Online bookie odds for winning the group or finishing TOP 2:

Four group matches will be played in the United States: Houston, Miami Gardens and Atlanta. Two matches will be played in Mexico: Mexico City and Zapopan. Full FIFA World Cup Group K schedule:

Portugal can be considered the favorite in Group K World Cup 2026, second place in the group should go to Colombia, while the battle between DR Congo and Uzbekistan for third place will be very intriguing.

As usual, Portugal arrives with a talented squad that still includes 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. There was talk that the 2022 FIFA World Cup could be his last, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup should now certainly be his final one.

Portugal has quality in different positions, so this is not a team dependent on just a few players. Portugal has been handed a favorable group, with the first two matches against DR Congo and Uzbekistan, which will allow the team to grow into the tournament and prepare for the match against Colombia as well as the upcoming knockout stage.

Portugal is not only the favorite in this group, but also one of the teams that can fight for the title.

Colombia missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but returns this year with extra motivation. The national team stands out for its very solid defense. It concedes few goals and has several individually talented players.

Luis Diaz stands out in the team, along with 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez. Colombia has players competing in Europe, which should help the team when playing against Portugal.

DR Congo returns to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974, and this will be only its second appearance in the tournament overall.

The national team has many athletic, quick and strong players. It can create danger on counter-attacks, from corners and from free kicks. There is not much talent in the squad, but the positive atmosphere after qualifying for the World Cup and a manageable group should add confidence.

Uzbekistan will play at the FIFA World Cup for the first time and, unlike Jordan, which is also making its debut but will play in Group I, Uzbekistan can even think about the Round of 32 in this group. There are strong Portugal and Colombia national teams in the group, but it is possible to fight for a win against DR Congo.

A draw against one of the other two FIFA opponents would make it possible to target the Round of 32 with four points. Although the national team is rated by bookmakers as the group underdog, it can certainly surprise.

Portugal has the most talent in Group K, with Cristiano Ronaldo still playing for the national team. Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Ruben Dias and Joao Neves can also be highlighted in the Portugal national team.

Colombia’s main player is Luis Diaz from Bayern Munich, while veteran James Rodriguez, Richard Rios, Jhon Arias and Jefferson Lerma are also important names.

In the Uzbekistan national team, which is making its FIFA World Cup debut, the main names are 22-year-old Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov and captain Eldor Shomurodov. Abbosbek Fayzullaev can also be added, as he plays for Istanbul Basaksehir together with E. Shomurodov.

For DR Congo, Chancel Mbemba from Lille, Yoane Wissa from Newcastle United, Aaron Wan-Bissaka from West Ham United and Cedric Bakambu from Real Betis should be highlighted.

In FIFA World Cup Group K, there is a visible gap between Portugal and Colombia on one side, and Uzbekistan and DR Congo on the other. Portugal and Colombia should fight for first place, while Uzbekistan and DR Congo should battle for third place.

This is one of the groups that may not look very interesting, but it can still bring plenty of intrigue, especially when looking at the FIFA schedule. In the final group round, Portugal vs Colombia and Uzbekistan vs DR Congo will meet each other. It is likely that the final positions and Round of 32 places will be decided there.

Looking at the betting markets offered by World Cup bookmakers, attention is worth paying to the option of Colombia finishing second. Odds of 2.10 are given for this. 

The national team can compete against Portugal, but Portugal will still be considered the match favorite. There is a strong chance that a draw in the meeting between these teams will be enough for Portugal to take first place. Meanwhile, Colombia should prove its advantage against Uzbekistan and DR Congo.