2026 FIFA World Cup Group K: Teams, fixtures, and key players fact file
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K fixtures will take place from the 17th to the 27th of June 2026 in Atlanta, Guadalajara, Houston, Mexico City, and Miami. This is a mini-guide on the four teams involved in the group: Portugal, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uzbekistan.
Portugal
With this tournament likely to be the last World Cup for Portuguese footballing demigod Cristiano Ronaldo and following the tragic passing last year of key forward Diogo Jota, this may be the most motivated the Portuguese team has ever been to win the World Cup. And with most of the focus on other heavyweights such as their Iberian neighbours Spain as well as last tournament’s finalists France and Argentina, the Portuguese could surprise most people to deliver Ronaldo and their people that elusive World Cup trophy.
Nickname – Seleção das Quinas
Tournament Appearances – 9
Best Finish – Third Place (1966)
Head Coach – Roberto Martinez
Captain – Cristiano Ronaldo
Key Player – Bruno Fernandes
One to Watch – Nuno Mendes
Colombia
Colombia are one of the most underrated teams heading to this summer’s showpiece. Los Cafeteros produced a fantastic display at the recent Copa America where they shocked many to reach the final ahead of continental giants Brazil and Uruguay. Led by Bayern livewire Luis Diaz and playmaking lynchpin James Rodriguez, teams would underestimate them at their own peril.
Nickname – Los Cafeteros
Tournament Appearances – 7
Best Finish – Quarterfinalists (2014)
Head Coach – Nestor Lorenzo
Captain – James Rodriguez
Key Player – Luis Diaz
One to Watch – Jhon Duran
Democratic Republic of Congo
The last time DRC qualified for a World Cup, they were named Zaire and Mobutu Sese Seko was their head of state. It has been that long since the colourful country rubbed shoulders with intercontinental giants on the world stage, but they are back in the big time now and would be optimistic of a better showing than they produced in 1974.
Nickname – Leopards
Tournament Appearances – 2
Best Finish – Group Stage (1974)
Head Coach – Sebastien Desabre
Captain – Chancel Mbemba
Key Player – Yoane Wissa
One to Watch – Noah Sadiki
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan produced a very impressive campaign at the 2023 U20 World Cup, finishing second in their group and qualifying for the knockout stage. The core of that team has transitioned seamlessly into the senior team and qualified the White Wolves for their first-ever World Cup. Exciting prospects Abdukodir Khusanov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev would be hoping to replicate their U20 exploits on the senior stage.
Nickname – White Wolves
Tournament Appearances – 1
Best Finish – N/A
Head Coach – Fabio Cannavaro
Captain – Eldor Shomurodov
Key Player – Abdukodir Khusanov
One to Watch – Abbosbek Fayzullaev
Fixtures
Portugal vs DR Congo – 17 June 2026, 6 PM GMT – Houston
Uzbekistan vs Colombia – 18 June 2026, 3 AM GMT – Mexico City
Portugal vs Uzbekistan – 23 June 2026, 6 PM GMT – Houston
Colombia vs DR Congo – 24 June 2026, 3 AM GMT – Guadalajara
Colombia vs Portugal – 28 June 2026, 12:30 AM GMT – Miami
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan – 28 June 2026, 12:30 AM GMT – Atlanta
