Group K is one of the most intriguing groups at the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal enter as group favourites, but Colombia can mount a challenge for top spot, while Democratic Republic of the Congo are the underdogs with Premier League pedigree, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Yoane Wissa and Noah Sadiki. Uzbekistan arrive as debutants, with odds possibly higher than Leicester’s 5000/1. Their manager is former Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro, so expect a well-drilled side.

With Cristiano Ronaldo entering the twilight stages of his career, it could feel like the perfect ending to an illustrious career, just like Lionel Messi and Argentina last time out in Qatar.

Os Navegadores (The Navigators) have often underwhelmed on the World Cup stage, but now feels like the right time to navigate themselves to World Cup glory.

They will be one of the most possession-dominant sides in the tournament. Roberto Martínez has favoured a system alternating between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1, often becoming a 3-2-4-1 in possession. Portugal’s principles are built around control through Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Vitinha, while Rafael Leão provides width and direct running. Their strength lies in dictating tempo and territory, though questions remain over how they cope with quick transitions against elite opposition.

Portugal arrive at the tournament in good form, continuing their preparations with a 2-1 victory over Chile in a heated friendly that saw goals from Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes. Roberto Martínez’s side largely controlled proceedings and extended an impressive unbeaten home run heading into the tournament, reinforcing the belief that they are among the strongest teams in the competition. While Rafael Leão’s dismissal was a setback, Portugal will be encouraged by the balance and control they have shown in recent outings.

Roberto Martínez’s men face DR Congo in their opening match. On paper, they start as strong favourites, but stranger things have happened in football. The midfield will set the tone, with DR Congo’s energetic unit likely to focus on disrupting Portugal’s rhythm and preventing them from establishing control. Noah Sadiki can also add to their threat.

Prediction: 1st

Colombia are back on football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2018, after missing out on qualification for Qatar 2022. Under Néstor Lorenzo, La Tricolor have re-established themselves as one of South America’s strongest sides, finishing among the automatic qualification places and arriving with genuine hopes of making a deep run.

Lorenzo has built a balanced Colombia side capable of competing in and out of possession. They typically operate in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, with a double pivot providing a rigid structure behind the attack. Luis Díaz is their main outlet, supported by James Rodríguez, who still at 34 - 12 years on from his breakout World Cup - is their maverick. Daniel Muñoz, as he so often does for club, will be hoping to be that relentless attacking threat down the right flank for country too. They are dangerous in transition and can control phases of games when required:Colombia ended their World Cup preparations with a 2-1 win over Jordan, with Jhon Arias scoring both goals in a controlled and professional performance.

Colombia ended their World Cup preparations with a 2-0 win over Jordan, with Jhon Arias scoring both goals in a controlled and professional performance.

Their opening clash with Uzbekistan may hinge on whether the Uzbek defence can contain Luis Díaz. Central to that task will be Abdukodir Khusanov, expected to marshal the back line against Díaz’s directness and dynamism. While the pair are unlikely to be in constant opposition, Khusanov’s organisation, positioning and ability to cover space could prove decisive in limiting the influence of a player capable of changing games in an instant.

Prediction: 2nd

The Democratic Republic of Congo arrive at the World Cup as one of the competition’s more compelling return stories, ending a 52-year absence from the tournament after last appearing in 1974 as Zaire. Sébastien Desabre has overseen a disciplined, hard-to-break-down side built on defensive organisation, team cohesion and effective counterattacking, guiding them through a demanding qualification route that included playoff wins over Cameroon, Nigeria and Jamaica.

DR Congo rely on a compact 4-1-4-1 structure. They do not seek to dominate possession but are most dangerous when games open up, allowing Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu to attack space quickly. Their athleticism and physical presence make them difficult opponents.

Their recent friendly was a fairly even 0-0 draw, with DR Congo showing their usual defensive organisation and compact shape. Denmark had the better chances overall, hitting the woodwork twice, but DR Congo created openings through Cédric Bakambu without finding a breakthrough.

DR Congo will look to Bakambu and Wissa to attack space behind Portugal’s defence. Portugal’s high line is a risk-reward approach - suffocating opponents high up the pitch but leaving space in behind if DR Congo break the first press.

Prediction: 3rd

Uzbekistan arrive at the World Cup as first-time finalists, completing a long-awaited breakthrough after years of near misses in Asian qualifying. Now led by former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, they have emerged as one of Asia’s most disciplined sides. Their qualification marked a historic moment for the nation, becoming the first Central Asian country to reach the tournament and underlining the progress of a generation that has steadily raised expectations.

Their recent friendly match against Oranje was decided late, with Cody Gakpo scoring twice for the Dutch, including a stoppage-time winner, after Uzbekistan had stayed competitive throughout and even found a late equaliser through Igor Sergeev. Despite the result, the performance highlighted Uzbekistan’s organisation and discipline, particularly in how they limited clear chances for long periods against a possession-dominant opponent. That result came just days after a 2-0 defeat to Canada, reinforcing a mixed but competitive end to their pre-tournament preparations, where performances have often been stronger than the scorelines suggest.

For Uzbekistan, the challenge will not simply be stopping Luis Díaz in one-on-one situations, but preventing him from receiving the ball in areas where he can attack with purpose and poise.

Should Khusanov restrict Díaz’s impact, Uzbekistan will give themselves a platform to go deep into the contest.

Prediction: 4th