Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jun 17

World Cup Group K Pits No. 5 Portugal Against Debutant Uzbekistan and 1974 Returnee Congo DR

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jun 17

World Cup Group K Pits No. 5 Portugal Against Debutant Uzbekistan and 1974 Returnee Congo DR

Q: With star defenders for Portugal and Uzbekistan injured, which Group K team is now most vulnerable at the back?

Portugal look the most vulnerable at the back in Group K. The clearest evidence is the loss of Rúben Dias, Portugal’s defensive leader, who has been ruled out for the opening match against DR Congo after physical problems in camp. There is also uncertainty around João Cancelo because of a knee issue, which deepens concern in a back line that normally relies on elite-level experience and organization. Uzbekistan also have a defensive injury problem, with Khusniddin Alikulov out with an ACL tear. But the available reporting does not indicate that Abdukodir Khusanov, their standout center-back, is unavailable. That matters because Khusanov is widely seen as the key piece of Uzbekistan’s defense, and if he is fit, they still retain their main defensive anchor. Colombia have some absences, including Juan Cabal, and Congo DR have injury concerns of their own, such as Rocky Bushiri’s withdrawal and Gedeon Kalulu playing through a PCL tear. Even so, neither side appears to be losing a defender as central to its structure as Portugal are with Dias. So, based on the reported injuries, Portugal are the most exposed defensively right now. Losing Dias, and potentially having Cancelo compromised as well, creates the biggest immediate weakness among the Group K teams.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 17

Group K brings together Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia and Congo DR in the 2026 World Cup’s 12-group opening stage.
Portugal enter as the highest-ranked side at No. 5, making a seventh straight World Cup appearance, while Cristiano Ronaldo could become the first man to play in six tournaments.
Uzbekistan are making their World Cup debut under coach Fabio Cannavaro, the former Italy defender who won the 2006 title.
Colombia return for a seventh appearance ranked No. 13, with James Rodríguez still their all-time World Cup scorer on six goals from his 2014 Golden Boot run.
Congo DR are back for the first time since 1974—when they played as Zaire—after a lone previous appearance that included a 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia and a minus-14 goal difference.