Portugal are the runaway favourites to top Group K at next year’s FIFA World Cup. It’s a title that places Lionel Messi above Cristiano Ronaldo in certain evaluations. The Portuguese will be keen to set this right. Colombia should look to make this their best World Cup.
Group K
Portugal
Fixtures
Vs New Caledonia/Jamaica/DR Congo, June 17, Houston, 22.30.
Vs Uzbekistan, June 23, Houston, 22.30.
Vs Colombia, June 28, Miami, 05.00.
Previous best
Third place in 1966.
How they qualified
Portugal topped Group F. They won four games, drew one and lost one. Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time highest goal-getter in the history of World Cup qualifiers.
Key player
Has to be that man. Despite a red card during the qualifying campaign, Rolando was his team’s leading scorer in this phase with five hits to his name. And Bruno Fernandes, arguably the best No. 10 in the world, will be there to set him up.
Coaching credentials
Having guided Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025, Roberto Martinez atoned for his failings as the manager of Belgium. The Spaniard is not trying to impose himself into this Portugal side, which is a good thing. He has a lot of talent at his disposal.
Likely breakthrough star
Geovany Quenda. The left-footed right-winger represented Portugal at the U-17 and U-21 levels before breaking into the senior team. Set to join Chelsea next season, the 18-year-old will get a chance to show his mettle on a grand stage.
Realistic expectations
Would like to better their previous best. Twice semi-finalists, they should be disappointed if their campaign ends before that stage.
Colombia
Fixtures
Vs Uzbekistan, June 18, Mexico City, 07.30.
Vs New Caledonia/Jamaica/DR Congo, June 24, Guadaljara, 07.30.
Vs Portugal, June 28, Miami, 05.00.
Previous best
Quarterfinals in Brazil 2014.
How they qualified
Finished third in South American qualifiers behind Argentina and Ecuador. Won seven, drew seven and lost four games.
Key player
James Rodriguez is back in business. The 2014 Golden Boot winner had almost disappeared from the international scene. The attacker was in his element in the qualifiers.
Coaching credentials
Nestor Lorenzo was Jose Pekerman’s deputy in the Colombian set-up in 2014 and 2018. After taking charge as head coach in 2022, this Argentine has struck a balance between experience and youth. Results satisfactory so far.
Likely breakthrough star
Richard Rios. The central midfielder who plays for Benfica in Portugal is a man to watch. His ability to absorb and initiate attacks has drawn attention. A key to his team’s prospects.
Realistic expectations
Anything less than second in the group will be a disaster. This team has a history of going to the World Cup with high hopes and imploding spectacularly. Underachievers for years, they should make this opportunity count.
Uzbekistan
Fixtures
Vs Colombia, June 18, Mexico City, 07.30.
Vs Portugal, June 23, Houston, 22.30.
Vs New Caledonia/Jamaica/DR Congo, June 28, Atlanta, 05.00.
Previous best
Maiden World Cup appearance. An Uzbek, Javokhir Sindarov, incidentally, won the chess World Cup last month.
How they qualified
Reached the third and final round of Asian qualifiers with four wins and two draws, both against Iran. Only loss in the third stage came against Qatar. Did well enough in the other games.
Key player
Abbosbek Fayzullaev delivered in crunch games. The forward was on target in a win against South Korea and a draw against Iran.
Coaching credentials
Timur Kapadze guided the team through the qualifying campaign. Italian World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro was appointed in October. Unsurprisingly, Cannavaro has put together an Italian support team.
Likely breakthrough star
Abdukodir Khusanov. The Manchester City defender is the first from his country to play in the Premier League. His defensive skills will be needed against the might of Portugal and Colombia.
Realistic expectations
Should think of becoming one of the eight third-placed teams from the 12 groups that make it to the Round of 32. After that, everything is a bonus.
New Caledonia/Jamaica/DR Congo
Fixtures
Vs Portugal, June 17, Houston, 22.30.
Vs Colombia, June 24, Guadaljara, 07.30.
Vs Uzbekistan, June 28, Atlanta, 05.00.
About the teams
Jamaica is the only one of these three to have played in the World Cup. The 1998 qualifiers are the favourites considering that. However, DR Congo can very well power their way in. New Caledonia are the least expected to make the cut.
Group prediction
1 Portugal
2 Colombia
3 Uzbekistan
4 New Caledonia/Jamaica/DR Congo
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