Read for 2 minutes23 Jun 2026 03:31 PM IST
Portugal Starting Lineup, FIFA World Cup 2026:Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will aim to get their campaign back on track when they take on Uzbekistan in their second Group K match in Houston on Tuesday.
After Portugal failed to beat DR Congo in their opening round last week, which ended in a 1-1 draw, Ronaldo was criticized from all sides as he looked far from his best. Pundits and former footballers have called on Portugal coach Roberto Martinez to bench the 41-year-old Ronaldo ahead of the second leg, due to his lackluster start.
With his goal drought stretching to 10 matches in a major tournament and his last goal in open play for Portugal until October 2025, the pressure on both Ronaldo and Martinez to find the right combination is immense. Ronaldo took just three shots in the opener, raising questions about his starting role from the bench.
Also read | Will Cristiano Ronaldo start against Uzbekistan? The Portugal coach refused to answer
While coach Martinez praised the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s work ethic and bounce back from setbacks, Ronaldo opened up about starting the Uzbekistan game.
Portugal squad news for Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 match
In positive news on the defensive front, the return of Ruben Dias, who recently recovered from injury, will bolster Portugal’s backline. This means that the Manchester City centre-back will replace Tomás Araujo from the previous outing. Among the reinforcements up front, Martinez is preferred to replace Pedro Neto on the right wing, with Francisco Concecao roped in for more attacking midfield support. Despite the backlash, Martinez is expected to stand up to Ronaldo.
Portugal starting 11 and formation (4-2-3-1): Costa (goalkeeper); Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Silva, Fernandes, Concecao; Ronaldo.
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Uzbekistan team news
Uzbekistan predicted lineup and formation (3-4-2-1): Yusupov (goalkeeper); Khusanov, Abdullahev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Nasruloev; Faizullaev, Urunov; Shomurodov.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan: Form guide
Portugal: DWWWD
Uzbekistan: LLLWW