World Cup 2026 Group K Preview: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo
Group K is the second-most balanced group in the tournament behind Group D. Portugal are the favorites but not by much. Colombia are the most underrated team in any group. Uzbekistan are at their first World Cup ever. DR Congo reached the 2024 AFCON semifinals.
The teams at a glance
- Portugal — FIFA #5. Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup. Portugal preview.
- Colombia — FIFA #13. 2024 Copa América finalists. Colombia preview.
- Uzbekistan — FIFA #50. First World Cup ever.
- DR Congo — FIFA #46. 2024 AFCON semifinalists.
Portugal: more than just Ronaldo
Portugal's squad goes far beyond Ronaldo: Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão, João Félix, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Rúben Dias, Diogo Costa. Ronaldo at 41 will play limited minutes, mostly as a late-game substitute. The real Portugal is a fast-attacking, possession-based team that just hasn't broken through at a major tournament since Euro 2016.
Portugal should win Group K with 7-9 points. The story is whether Ronaldo finally lifts a World Cup trophy. The pool reality is Portugal are a chalk pick to top this group.
Colombia: the most underrated team in any group
Colombia reached the 2024 Copa América final and went unbeaten for 28 matches in 2024. The squad is loaded: James Rodríguez (still creative), Luis Díaz (Liverpool / Bayern), Jhon Durán, Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez. Néstor Lorenzo has built a possession-heavy, technically skilled team.
Colombia's realistic outcome: 2nd place at 6-7 points, with a real chance of topping the group if Portugal rotate or struggle. They're a serious knockout-stage threat — picking them to make the quarterfinals is reasonable.
Uzbekistan: first ever, and not entirely a pushover
Uzbekistan qualified for the first time in their history. The squad is built around Eldor Shomurodov (Roma), Otabek Shukurov, Abbosbek Fayzullayev. They reached the 2024 Asian Cup quarterfinals. Their ceiling at this World Cup is realistic 3-4 points if they catch DR Congo flat.
Realistic outcome: 1-3 points, 3rd or 4th. They're a wildcard long-shot but more competent than most casual fillers will assume.
DR Congo: AFCON quality, World Cup tested
DR Congo reached the 2024 AFCON semifinals. The squad has Premier League quality: Yoane Wissa (Newcastle), Cédric Bakambu, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku. They are physical, athletic, and dangerous on counters.
DR Congo's realistic outcome: 4 points, 3rd place. They are capable of beating Uzbekistan and stealing a result from Colombia. Wildcard candidate with a strong goal difference.
Predictions
- 1st: Portugal — squad depth tilts a tight group.
- 2nd: Colombia — strong knockout pick, not just a 2nd-place lock.
- 3rd: DR Congo — best wildcard play in the bottom half.
- 4th: Uzbekistan — historic appearance, realistic limits.
Bracket strategy for Group K
- Portugal 1st is chalk. But picking Colombia 1st in Upset Bonus pools is a real value play.
- Colombia 2nd is the safe pool play.Don't bounce them in the Round of 16 either.
- DR Congo for a wildcard is solid. Yoane Wissa is having a career-best season — the odds of them winning a single match are real.
Make your Group K picks
Lock your group standings and wildcard picks before the first kickoff on June 11.