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Portugal will look to strengthen their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds when they face Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium on Tuesday.
Selecao das Quinas were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K fixture, leaving Roberto Martinez's side with work to do despite their status as one of the tournament favourites.
Uzbekistan began the competition with defeat, losing 3-1 to Colombia, and another loss on Tuesday would leave their hopes of progressing hanging by a thread.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions. Additionally, take a look at our best World Cup betting offers to give yourself the best chance of making some profit.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan key stats
- Both teams have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three matches.
- Three or more goals were scored in five of Uzbekistan’s last seven matches.
- Portugal have picked up three wins from their last five matches.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan preview: Time for Cristiano Ronaldo to step up
| Portugal | vs | Uzbekistan |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | FIFA Ranking | 50th |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (229) | Most Caps | Eldor Shomurodov (93) |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (143) | Most Goals | Eldor Shomurodov (44) |
| 1175 | Total Caps | 848 |
| 260 | Total Goals | 117 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 1 |
Portugal made the perfect start against DR Congo when Joao Neves opened the scoring inside six minutes, but they failed to build on that advantage and were eventually pegged back by Yoane Wissa's equaliser.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening, with the veteran forward struggling to influence proceedings as Portugal lacked their usual cutting edge in attack.
While Ronaldo was unable to test the goalkeeper in the opener, Martinez may look to add more variety to Portugal's attacking play as they seek their first win of the tournament.
Ruben Dias missed the draw with DR Congo after failing to prove his fitness, and the Manchester City defender could remain on the sidelines given Portugal's depth in defensive areas.
World Cup debutants Uzbekistan face another stern test after opening their campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Colombia, and anything less than a positive result here could leave them on the brink of elimination.
Fabio Cannavaro's side may lack experience at this level, but they showed enough attacking intent in their qualifying games to suggest they can pose problems for Portugal.
Uzbekistan struggled to make an impact in the first half of their opener, failing to register a single touch inside the opposition penalty area, but they improved after the break and will need to show similar bravery on Tuesday.
Cannavaro is unlikely to make sweeping changes following the opening defeat, although Khojiakbar Alijonov could come into contention for a place in the starting lineup.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan form guide & betting tips
| Portugal | vs | Uzbekistan |
|---|---|---|
DWWWD |
Form | WWLLL |
| 7 | Goals For | 10 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 12 |
D |
WORLD CUP | L |
Whispers predicts: Portugal 2-1 Uzbekistan
Portugal are favourites to win this tie at 2/9 (1.22), but we expect Uzbekistan to provide a tougher test than many anticipate.
Both teams have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three matches, and that trend could continue here, making BTTS – Yes at 6/4 (2.50) an appealing option.
Two of Portugal's last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals, while five of Uzbekistan's last seven games have seen at least three goals scored. As a result, Over 2.5 Goals at 13/20 (1.65) looks a smart selection.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 143 international goals, and it would be unwise to back against him finding the net in such an important match. The former Real Madrid star is priced at 8/13 (1.62) to score anytime.
> Over 2.5 goals at 13/20 (1.65) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 6/4 (2.5) | Likelihood: Probable
> Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime at 8/13 (1.62) | Likelihood: Probable
> Bruno Fernandes assist over 0.5 at 2/1 (3.0) | Likelihood: Outsider
> Portugal win & BTTS – Yes at 23/10 (3.3) | Likelihood: Probable