Rafael Nogueira
Portugal and Uzbekistan meet on June 23, 2026 at 13:00 in a World Cup 2026 group stage fixture. Both sides arrive off contrasting results from matchday one, with Portugal held to a 1-1 draw by Congo DR and Uzbekistan beaten 3-1 by Colombia. The predicted lineups below are based on those starting XI selections.
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Portugal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Portugal are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation. Diogo Costa starts in goal. The back four is projected to feature R. De Palma Veiga, Rúben Dias, Pedro Neto, and João Cancelo. The midfield trio is anticipated to consist of Vitinha, Rúben Neves, and Bruno Fernandes. Up front, Bernardo Silva and Nuno Mendes are expected to support Cristiano Ronaldo through the middle.
Against Congo DR, J. Gonçalves Neves opened the scoring in the 6th minute, but Portugal were unable to hold on for all three points. Bernardo Silva picked up a yellow card in the 13th minute and was substituted at half-time. Tomás Araújo came on at the 90th minute, and late changes also saw Nélson Semedo, Goncalo Ramos, Rafael Leão, and F. Conceição introduced from the bench.
| Pos | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Diogo Costa |
| RB | R. De Palma Veiga |
| CB | Rúben Dias |
| CB | Pedro Neto |
| LB | João Cancelo |
| CM | Vitinha |
| CM | Rúben Neves |
| CM | Bruno Fernandes |
| RW | Bernardo Silva |
| LW | Nuno Mendes |
| ST | Cristiano Ronaldo |
Uzbekistan Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
Uzbekistan are expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1 shape. Utkir Yusupov is projected to start in goal, protected by a back three of A. Khusanov, R. Ashurmatov, and Bekhruz Karimov. The midfield four is anticipated to include Akmal Mozgovoy, Otabek Shukurov, Farrux Sayfiev, and Abdulla Abdullaev. Behind lone striker Eldor Shomurodov, Oston Urunov and A. Fayzullayev are expected to operate as the attacking pair.
Fayzullayev was Uzbekistan‘s standout performer against Colombia, scoring in the 60th minute before being substituted in the 77th minute. Shomurodov was replaced in the 90th minute, while Dostonbek Khamdamov and Sherzod Nasrullayev both came on at half-time. Despite the defeat, Uzbekistan showed attacking intent that Portugal will need to contain.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Utkir Yusupov |
| CB | Oston Urunov |
| CB | Akmal Mozgovoy |
| CB | Bekhruz Karimov |
| RM | Otabek Shukurov |
| CM | A. Fayzullayev |
| CM | Farrux Sayfiev |
| LM | Abdulla Abdullaev |
| AM | A. Khusanov |
| AM | R. Ashurmatov |
| ST | Eldor Shomurodov |
Key Players to Watch
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) — Yet to score at this tournament, with pressure mounting to deliver in a must-win fixture.
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) — Central to Portugal‘s creative output and set-piece threat.
- A. Fayzullayev (Uzbekistan) — Scored against Colombia and will look to test Portugal‘s defensive line.
- Eldor Shomurodov (Uzbekistan) — The focal point of Uzbekistan‘s attack, capable of holding up play and finishing.
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With Portugal needing a win after dropping points on matchday one, expect a direct approach from the opening whistle. Uzbekistan, coming off a 3-1 loss, have little margin for error in Group stage progression. Stay with TipsGG for lineup confirmations, match previews, and live coverage as World Cup 2026 continues.