Group K features the UEFA National League holders Portugal alongside Columbia , Intercontinental Playoff winners DR Congo and first time qualifiers Uzbekistan.
PORTUGAL –
Portugal qualified as winners of the European Qualifying Group F despite a surprise defeat on Matchday 9 to Republic of Ireland in Dublin where Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off.
In March 2026 friendlies they drew 0-0 with Mexico before beating USA 2-0, as the two hosts played the European giants on home soil.
Portugal are managed by former, Belgium, Everton, Wigan FA Cup winner and Swansea manager Roberto Martinez.
In goal they have Diogo Costa of Porto.
The defence includes Manchester City’s Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio from Sporting Lisbon , and João Cancelo of Barcelona formerly of Manchester City. Manchester Utd’s Diogo Dalot and and Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes are other options.
In Midfield Manchester Utd captain Bruno Fernandes, plays alongside João Neves and Vitinha of PSG. Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Sporting Lisbon’s Francisco Trincão give good depth to the squad.
In attack Cristiano Ronaldo has controversially been cleared by FIFA to play despite his red card in Dublin and he will likely play some part alongside João Félix, now both playing their club football in Saudi Arabia. Portugal will also have Francisco Conceição of Juventus, Rafael Leão of AC Milan and Chelsea’s Pedro Neto.
This will be Portugal’s first World Cup since the sad passing of Diego Jota, and will be an emotional time for the whole squad.
COLOMBIA –
Colombia qualified in third place in the South American qualifying group behind Argentina and Ecuador , and like Brazil , Paraguay and Uruguay finished on 28 points.
In March 2026 friendlies they lost 2-1 to Croatia and 3-1 to France.
Colombia are managed by Argentinian Néstor Lorenzo
Colombia goalkeeper is Camilo Vargas, with back up from the experienced David Ospina formerly of Arsenal.
In defence they have Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz with former Everton player now at Cagliari , Yerry Mina alongside former Tottenham defender Davinson Sánchez now at Galatasaray. Jhon Lucumí of Bolonga is another defensive option.
In midfield Colombia have captain James Rodríguez who became a global star for his performances at World Cup 2014 where he was the top scorer.
Also in midfield Colombia have Jefferson Lerma of Crystal Palace.
In attack their star man is Bayern Munich former Liverpool star Luis Díaz
DR CONGO –
DR Congo after finishing runners up to Senegal in African qualifying group B entered a four team playoff , beating Cameroon 1-0 in the semi final and Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 to qualify for the Intercontinental playoff where they beat Jamacia 1-0 after extra time in March 2026.
In 2025 African Cup of Nations, DR Congo finished in second place in Group D on goal difference from Senegal, before losing 1-0 to Algeria in last 16.
DR Congo are managed by Sébastien Desabre
In goal they have Lionel Mpasi of Le Harve
The defence includes captain Chancel Mbemba of Lillie alongside Hibs Rocky Bushiri and West Ham’s former Manchester Utd defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Bunrley’s Axel Tuanzebe scored the extra time winning goal in the playoff against Jamacia
The midfield has Samuel Moutoussamy with Watford’s Edo Kayembe and Meschak Elia
The attack is led by Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu of Real Betis and may feature Celtic’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha
UZBEKISTAN –
Uzbekistan progressed from Group E in the Second Round of Asian qualifying as runners up to Iran in Group E on goal difference , and in the Third Round they were again runners up to Iran in Group A as both qualified automatically, ahead of UAE and Qatar.
In March 2026 Uzbekistan hosted a Fifa series where they beat Gabon 3-1 before drawing 0-0 with Venezuela but won 5-4 on penalties.
Uzbekistan are managed by former Italian World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro
In goal they have Utkir Yusupov
The defence is led by young Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov alongside the experienced Farrukh Sayfiev and Khojiakbar Alijonov.
In midfield they have Odiljon Hamrobekov and Otabek Shukurov
Uzbekistan attack has captain Eldor Shomurodov of İstanbul Başakşehir and Igor Sergeev.
Group K Fixtures
17/6/26 6pm Portugal v DR Congo
18/6/26 3am Colombia v Uzbekistan
23/6/26 6pm Portugal v Uzbekistan
24/6/26 3am Colombia v DR Congo
28/6/26 0.30am Portugal v Colombia
28/6/26 0.30am DR Congo v Uzbekistan
PREDICTIONS
I would expect Portugal to win all three games.
Colombia will be too strong and beat DR Congo and Uzbekistan.
DR Congo and Uzbekistan will play out a draw that will eliminate both.
1st Place prediction – Portugal 9pts
2nd Place prediction – Colombia 6pts
3rd Place prediction – DR Congo 1pt GD -5
Football is Academical 