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World Cup 2026 Group K: Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, Uzbekistan
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World Cup 2026 Group K: Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, Uzbekistan

▲ Peak Trend score: 92 Published: June 18, 2026 Updated: June 18, 2026

By Alexandre Le Hégarat datastats

Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opened on June 17 with two contrasting results: Colombia 3–1 Uzbekistan (Muñoz/Díaz/Campaz; Fayzullaev scored Uzbekistan's first-ever WC goal) and Portugal 1–1 DR Congo (Neves 6'/Wissa 45+5' — DR Congo's first WC goal since 1974 as Zaire). Colombia top the group; Portugal and Colombia both in Houston area and Mexico City venues.

The context

Group K is arguably the 2026 World Cup’s most unpredictable group, and Matchday 1 on June 17 only added to that reputation. At Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — the tournament’s most iconic venue — Colombia produced a composed 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, the Central Asian nation’s debut at the world’s biggest stage. Daniel Muñoz put Colombia ahead with a slick opener (assisted by Luis Díaz), Abbosbek Fayzullaev replied with the goal that made history — Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup strike — before Díaz and Jaminton Campaz extended the South American advantage. Colombia looked sharp, controlled, and exactly like a side capable of causing problems in the knockout rounds.

In Houston, a very different story played out at NRG Stadium. Portugal, one of the pre-tournament favourites to reach the latter stages, were frustrated by DR Congo in a match that sent a shockwave through the group. João Neves gave Roberto Martínez’s side an early lead, but Yoane Wissa — the Newcastle United forward — equalised with a brilliant strike in first-half stoppage time, handing DR Congo one of the most emotionally charged points in African football in years. For a nation that last appeared at the World Cup in 1974 as Zaire — and were famously overrun 9-0 by Yugoslavia in a group-stage thrashing — a drawn game with Portugal, one of the competition’s heavyweights, represents a monumental achievement. Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in what may well be his final World Cup, cut a frustrated figure, missing several gilt-edged chances. Portugal’s road out of Group K just got significantly harder.

After one round, Colombia sit top with three points, while Portugal and DR Congo share second place on one point each. Uzbekistan are bottom but leave Mexico City with their reputation enhanced. This is a group that will go to the wire.

People also ask

What teams are in Group K of the 2026 World Cup?#
Group K contains Portugal, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), and Uzbekistan. It is one of the tournament's most intriguing groups, mixing a European heavyweight (Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo), a South American qualifier (Colombia, led by James Rodríguez), an African side returning to the World Cup (DR Congo/Zaire last appeared in 1974), and a Central Asian debutant (Uzbekistan, at their first-ever World Cup). Matches are played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas and Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
What was the score of Portugal vs DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup?#
Portugal drew 1–1 with DR Congo on June 17, 2026, at NRG Stadium in Houston. João Neves gave Portugal the lead in the 6th minute, but Yoane Wissa (the Newcastle United forward) equalised just before half-time in the 45+5', ending DR Congo's 52-year wait for a World Cup goal. Cristiano Ronaldo missed several chances to win the match, and Portugal had to settle for one point in a disappointing opener.
Who scored for Portugal against DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup?#
João Neves scored for Portugal in the 6th minute in their 1–1 draw with DR Congo on June 17. Yoane Wissa replied for DR Congo in the 45th minute of added time (45+5') to earn the Congolese a memorable point in their World Cup comeback match.
Did DR Congo score at the 2026 World Cup?#
Yes — and it was a historic moment. Yoane Wissa scored in the 45+5' to equalise against Portugal on June 17, 2026. It was DR Congo's first World Cup goal since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire. Their 3–0 defeat to Yugoslavia in 1974 is still their only previous World Cup appearance. Wissa's goal against one of the tournament's heavyweights was one of the most celebrated moments of the opening round.
What was the score of Colombia vs Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup?#
Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3–1 on June 17, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Daniel Muñoz opened the scoring (assisted by Luis Díaz), before Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalised for Uzbekistan — scoring the Central Asian nation's first-ever World Cup goal. Luis Díaz then restored Colombia's lead, and Jaminton Campaz sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike. Colombia top Group K after Matchday 1.
Did Uzbekistan score at the 2026 World Cup?#
Yes — Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored Uzbekistan's first-ever goal in FIFA World Cup history, equalising against Colombia in the 2026 tournament at Estadio Azteca. Uzbekistan, appearing at their debut World Cup, made history with that goal even though they ultimately lost 3–1. Fayzullaev's strike came off a sequence involving Eldor Shomurodov and was the defining moment of a tournament debut for the Central Asian nation.
Who is James Rodríguez at the 2026 World Cup?#
James Rodríguez is Colombia's veteran playmaker and captain, appearing at the 2026 World Cup at age 34. He won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup (6 goals) and is one of the most celebrated players in Colombian football history. He provides the assists and creativity that unlock defences for Colombia. Going into the tournament, he was four assists shy of tying Carlos Valderrama's all-time Colombia assist record.
What are the Group K standings after Matchday 1 of the 2026 World Cup?#
After the opening round of Group K matches (June 17): Colombia lead on 3 points (+2 goal difference) after their 3–1 win over Uzbekistan. DR Congo are second on 1 point (0 GD) after their 1–1 draw with Portugal. Portugal are third on 1 point (0 GD) — a disappointing start for Ronaldo's side. Uzbekistan are bottom on 0 points (−2) but made history with their first-ever World Cup goal.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing well at the 2026 World Cup?#
No — Ronaldo's opening match against DR Congo on June 17 was widely criticised. He missed several clear chances to win the match and Portugal had to settle for a 1–1 draw. At 41, questions are growing about whether he can deliver at this tournament as he did in previous editions. His Portugal teammates — including João Neves and Bernardo Silva — have been more effective in this campaign.
Can Uzbekistan qualify from Group K at the 2026 World Cup?#
Uzbekistan face an uphill battle after losing their opener 1–3 to Colombia, but they are not eliminated. In the expanded 48-team format, the top two from each group qualify plus the eight best third-placed teams — meaning Uzbekistan need strong results in their remaining two matches. They made history by scoring their first World Cup goal against Colombia and showed they can compete at this level.

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