Portugal
Portugal vs Uzbekistan lineups are confirmed for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match. The fixture is being played on Tuesday, June 23, at Houston Stadium in Houston. Portugal start Ruben Dias and Joao Felix, while Uzbekistan start Abduvohid Nematov in goal. The live roster points to Portugal using a flexible front three and Uzbekistan protecting the box in a back-five shape.
Portugal Confirmed Lineup
Formation: 4-3-3
Substitutes: Jose Sa, Nelson Semedo, Bernardo Silva, Francisco Trincao, Ruben Neves, Goncalo Inacio, Rafael Leao, Rui Silva, Samu Costa, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Goncalo Ramos, Goncalo Guedes, Francisco Conceicao, Tomas Araujo.
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| GK | Diogo Costa |
| RB | Joao Cancelo |
| CB | Ruben Dias |
| CB | Renato Veiga |
| LB | Nuno Mendes |
| CM | Joao Neves |
| CM | Vitinha |
| CM | Bruno Fernandes |
| RW | Joao Felix |
| ST | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| LW | Pedro Neto |
Portugal Lineup Notes
Portugal make two important selection changes from the DR Congo draw. Ruben Dias returns to the back line, while Joao Felix starts in attack as Bernardo Silva, Francisco Conceicao, and Rafael Leao all begin on the bench.
The shape should still give Bruno Fernandes enough freedom to step between midfield and the front line. Ronaldo remains the penalty-box reference, while Neto and Felix can move inside to create shooting lanes.
Uzbekistan Confirmed Lineup
Formation: 5-4-1
Substitutes: Oston Urunov, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Azizbek Amonov, Igor Sergeev, Botirali Ergashev, Ruslanbek Jiyanov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Avazbek Ulmasaliyev, Akmal Mozgovoy, Umar Eshmurodov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Jakhongir Urozov, Utkir Yusupov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Sherzod Esanov.
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| GK | Abduvohid Nematov |
| RB | Behruzjon Karimov |
| CB | Abdukodir Khusanov |
| CB | Abdulla Abdullaev |
| CB | Rustam Ashurmatov |
| LB | Sherzod Nasrullaev |
| CM | Otabek Shukurov |
| CM | Odiljon Xamrobekov |
| CM | Azizjon Ganiev |
| AM | Abbosbek Fayzullaev |
| ST | Eldor Shomurodov |
Uzbekistan Lineup Notes
Uzbekistan make a clear goalkeeper change, with Nematov replacing Yusupov after the Colombia defeat. Fabio Cannavaro also adds Xamrobekov and Azizjon Ganiev to strengthen the midfield screen.
The setup should defend deep and ask Shomurodov to hold the first outlet. Fayzullaev remains the main transition runner after scoring Uzbekistan's first World Cup goal in the opener.
Team News and Injury Report
Latest lineup notes: Dias returns for Portugal, Felix gets the attacking start, and Uzbekistan switch goalkeeper before facing Portugal's set-piece delivery.
| Player | Team | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruben Dias | Portugal | Starts | Returns to the XI after missing the opening start |
| Joao Felix | Portugal | Starts | Selected in the front three |
| Bernardo Silva | Portugal | Bench | Available but not selected to start |
| Francisco Conceicao | Portugal | Bench | Available attacking option |
| Abduvohid Nematov | Uzbekistan | Starts | Replaces Utkir Yusupov in goal |
| Utkir Yusupov | Uzbekistan | Bench | Goalkeeper change after the Colombia match |
| Rustam Ashurmatov | Uzbekistan | Starts | Selected in the back line |
Portugal vs Uzbekistan — Key Tactical Battle
The key tactical battle is Portugal's right-sided creativity against Uzbekistan's crowded defensive block. Felix and Cancelo can combine inside and outside, while Fernandes will look for Ronaldo and Dias on set pieces.
Uzbekistan need Khusanov, Abdullaev, and Ashurmatov to defend crosses without giving away second balls. If Shukurov and Xamrobekov can protect the middle, Fayzullaev and Shomurodov may have room to counter.
| Role | Portugal | Uzbekistan |
|---|---|---|
| Corners | Bruno Fernandes | Abbosbek Fayzullaev |
| Direct free kicks | Bruno Fernandes | Abbosbek Fayzullaev |
| Penalties | Cristiano Ronaldo | Eldor Shomurodov |
Match Details
| Key Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 1:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM Houston / 17:00 UTC |
| Venue | Houston Stadium, Houston |
| Stage | FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage |
| Referee | Jalal Jayed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Portugal vs Uzbekistan lineups confirmed?
Yes. Portugal vs Uzbekistan lineups are confirmed, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Pedro Neto starting for Portugal, and Abduvohid Nematov starting in goal for Uzbekistan.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo starting for Portugal vs Uzbekistan?
Yes. Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Portugal against Uzbekistan as the central forward in a 4-3-3 setup.
What formation are Uzbekistan using against Portugal?
Uzbekistan are listed in a 5-4-1 shape, with Nematov in goal, Khusanov in the defensive line, and Shomurodov leading the attack.
What time is Portugal vs Uzbekistan kickoff?
Portugal vs Uzbekistan kicks off at 1:00 PM ET and 12:00 PM Houston time on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Portugal make the bigger attacking call by starting Joao Felix with Ronaldo and Neto, while Uzbekistan answer with a deeper defensive shape.
Follow the Portugal vs Uzbekistan live score for verified goals, cards, stats, and Group K movement.
Read Also: Portugal vs Uzbekistan Live Score — FIFA World Cup 2026
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