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Group K · FIFA World Cup 2026

Group K — Ronaldo's final World Cup at Estadio Azteca

Portugal's last dance with Cristiano Ronaldo. DR Congo's first WC since 1974. Cannavaro's Uzbekistan debut. James Rodríguez at Azteca.

4 teams · POR, COD, UZB, COL 6 matches · 17 Jun 2026 – 27 Jun 2026

Teams in Group K

Group K overview

Group K is the late-MD1 group with the most-decorated narrative. Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at his sixth and final World Cup — at age 41 the only player ever to play at six men's World Cups. The Portugal squad: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), João Félix (Chelsea), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Diogo Costa (Porto).

DR Congo's first World Cup appearance since 1974 (then known as Zaire) — a 52-year wait. They qualified through CAF under Sébastien Desabre, beating Cameroon in the final qualification round. The squad: Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Arthur Masuaku (Reims).

Uzbekistan's first World Cup ever — the first Central Asian nation to qualify — under Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 World Cup-winning Italy captain appointed October 2025. Squad spine: Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City), Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Başakşehir), Abbosbek Fayzullaev (CSKA Moscow).

Colombia under Néstor Lorenzo return for their seventh World Cup. James Rodríguez (Minnesota United in MLS for tournament minutes) captains a squad that also includes Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich), Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace), Davinson Sánchez (Galatasaray).

Full match schedule

All six Group K fixtures with live odds from our three partner bookmakers — Mostbet, Fonbet, 1xBet. Click any match for the full preview, predicted lineups and value-bet picks.

Standings outlook & knockout path

Most likely winner: Portugal (priced around 1.55). The most-decorated squad in the group with European Champions League regulars at every position.

Most likely runner-up: Colombia. James Rodríguez's tournament experience plus Luis Díaz's directness give them the clear second-tier ceiling.

Best longshot for second: Uzbekistan. Cannavaro's defensive setup at Estadio Azteca altitude — combined with Khusanov at Man City — makes them a credible upset threat.

DR Congo bottom is the modal outcome — but their 52-year return is the result of genuine improvement under Desabre.

Group K venues

FixtureVenueCityCapacity
Portugal vs DR Congo · 17 JunNRG StadiumHouston72,220
Uzbekistan vs Colombia · 17 JunEstadio AztecaMexico City87,000

Group K FAQ

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play at World Cup 2026?
Yes. Ronaldo turns 41 during the tournament. This is his sixth World Cup (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) — making him the only outfield player in history to play at six men's World Cups. He continues to play club football at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Is this DR Congo's first World Cup since 1974?
Yes. DR Congo (then known as Zaire) last appeared at the World Cup in 1974 — losing all three group matches and famously conceding 14 goals. The 52-year wait is the longest of any nation at the 2026 tournament.
Is this Uzbekistan's first World Cup?
Yes. Uzbekistan's first World Cup ever — and the first Central Asian nation to qualify. Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 World Cup-winning Italy captain, was appointed in October 2025 to coach the debut tournament.
Who is favourite to win Group K?
Portugal at around 1.55. Colombia at 4.00 second favourites. Uzbekistan and DR Congo at 13.0 and 21.0 as the clear underdogs. The group winner's path through the Round of 32 leads to a likely Group J runner-up (Austria).