FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Today Live Score: After a shock 1-1 draw against DR Congo, Portugal suffered as much shock as defeat, one of the pre-tournament favorites and Roberto Martinez’s star player will face Uzbekistan in Hos on Tuesday as they look to find their rhythm and register their first win at FIFA World Cup 2026.
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Cristiano Ronaldo will once again command the spotlight, although not necessarily for the right reasons. There are growing voices debating the 41-year-old’s place in the side, questioning whether he is holding back what is considered Portugal’s golden generation in the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes and Bernardo Silva. However, what seems to bother Ronaldo the most is his extended goal drought. Despite attempting 33 shots and compiling an expected goals (xG) tally of 4.5 in his last 10 major tournaments, including the World Cup and European Championships, he has failed to find the net in each of those matches.
For Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan, they will need to find inspiration from within if they are to make an impression on their World Cup debut. Despite losing their opening game 3-1 to Colombia, their XG of 1.16 was the highest on a tournament debut since Slovakia 2010.
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Lionel Messi dominated Cristiano Ronaldo from all sides in the first round of the World Cup 2026 last week. (AP Photo)
Messi’s hat-trick in the defending champions’ 3-0 win over Algeria contrasted with the Portuguese superstar’s woeful figure in their 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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