Portugal’s World Cup campaign has not started as planned. After a lacklustre 1-1 draw against debutants DR Congo last Wednesday, Roberto Martinez’s side will be desperate to secure their first win when they take on another newcomer, Uzbekistan, in Houston this Wednesday.

Securing three points against Uzbekistan will not be an easy task for the Seleção das Quinas. The White Wolves, despite their 3-1 defeat to Colombia in their maiden World Cup appearance, showed plenty of fight and determination throughout that match.

Abbosbek Fayzullaev found the net with a close-range header on the hour mark to bring Uzbekistan level in their opener. They came close to equalising again late in the game when Akmal Mozgovoy’s curling effort narrowly missed the target in the 90th minute, before Colombia sealed the result with a third goal.

Even after conceding late, Uzbekistan showed attacking intent, with Jakhongir Urozov striking the crossbar in the dying moments — a clear sign that they are capable of troubling even the most established sides.

For Portugal, the draw against DR Congo was a frustrating affair. Despite dominating possession and taking an early lead through João Neves, they failed to capitalise on their opportunities. Yoane Wissa equalised just before half-time, and the score remained 1-1 until the final whistle.

Many observers believe Portugal’s attack could be more dynamic without relying solely on Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41 years and 132 days old, the veteran forward became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match. However, his influence was limited — he recorded just 25 touches, the fewest among players who played the full 90 minutes.

Speculation is mounting that Martinez is hesitant to substitute his iconic captain. The Spanish coach could silence critics by starting Ronaldo on the bench against Uzbekistan and using him as an impact substitute if needed.

The two sides have met only once before — a friendly in September 2012, which Portugal won 5-2. Martinez would undoubtedly welcome a similar outcome on Wednesday.

Uzbekistan, however, will enter the match with quiet confidence. Under the guidance of legendary defender Fabio Cannavaro, they typically line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov is expected to anchor the defence alongside the experienced Rustam Ashurmatov, while Fayzullaev’s creativity could prove vital in attack.

If Ronaldo scores in this Group K match, he will become the first player to score in six separate World Cups — a remarkable milestone. Yet, he may need to put personal achievements aside to help his nation claim all three points.

The pressure on Ronaldo is immense, as he has now gone ten consecutive matches at major tournaments without scoring — his last goal being a penalty against Ghana in the 2022 World Cup.

Regardless of whether CR7 starts or not, Portugal possess enough attacking quality to overcome Uzbekistan. However, World Cup 2026 has already produced several surprises, and another upset cannot be ruled out. A 0-0 draw would mark Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup point, and that possibility cannot be dismissed.

It may not be a thrilling prospect, but given Portugal’s uninspired display in their opener, another resolute defensive performance from the underdogs could be on the cards.

Portugal probable starting lineup: D. Costa; Cancelo, Araújo, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Silva, Fernandes, Neto; G. Ramos.

Uzbekistan probable starting lineup: Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullaev, Urozov; Karimov, Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Nasrulloev; Fayzullaev, Urunov; Shomurodov.

Portugal vs DR Congo

June 17, 2026

Houston, 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT