Group K of World Cup 2026 is Cristiano Ronaldo's group. At 41, the Portugal captain plays his sixth World Cup, an all-time record, and he has made it clear it will be his last: this is his final chance to win the trophy missing from his extraordinary career. Against DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, Portugal start as favourites, but Colombia are one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament and can ruin everyone's plans. The group will be played across the United States and Mexico, and Portugal will have to cope with the heat and with opponents who have nothing to lose.

The four teams in Group K

Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia are four nations with different ambitions. Portugal have one of the strongest squads in the tournament, with Ronaldo as leader and a generation of talent including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao. DR Congo came through the intercontinental playoffs, with a physical team and an unpredictable attack. Uzbekistan are playing at their first World Cup, a growing national team who surprised everyone in Asian qualifying. Colombia are the wild card of the group: they have knocked out famous national teams in the past and play technical, aggressive football.

Ronaldo and the missing dream

Cristiano Ronaldo has won everything in club football: five Champions Leagues, league titles in four different countries, five Ballon d'Or awards. Only the World Cup is missing. At 41, the Portuguese arrive in North America for his sixth World Cup, a record he shares only with Messi. Portugal begin their campaign on June 17 against DR Congo, then face Uzbekistan on June 23 and finish against Colombia on June 27. Three matches to dream again. Ronaldo arrives at the tournament wanting to end a career that has already rewritten every record in world football in style, and the whole of Portugal stands behind their captain.

Colombia, the real rivals of Portugal

Colombia are the team who can win Group K. They have a squad full of talent, with Luis Diaz as their star and an attacking game that troubles anyone. The Colombians have a tradition of great World Cup performances: in 2014 they reached the quarter-finals with James Rodriguez as top scorer. The head-to-head with Portugal on June 27 could decide first place and will be one of the most awaited matches of the whole group stage.

DR Congo and Uzbekistan: the surprises of the group

DR Congo reached the World Cup through the intercontinental playoffs, winning do-or-die games. They are a physical team, with players in European leagues and an attack that can strike on the counter. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, are the big Asian surprise: their first World Cup qualification, a young and organised team who surprised everyone. For both of them, the World Cup is already a triumph, but neither will be content to play the role of extras.

Key matches to watch

Portugal against DR Congo on June 17 opens the group and will immediately show how much Ronaldo's team are worth. Uzbekistan against Colombia will be the match to watch to see whether the South Americans really are first-place material. Portugal against Colombia on June 27, finally, could be one of the most spectacular matches of the whole group stage: two strong attacks, two stars like Ronaldo and Luis Diaz, and first place at stake.

Prediction: who advances?

Portugal should win the group, but Colombia are very close and could even overtake them. Second place is a duel between Colombia and DR Congo, with the Africans able to surprise. Uzbekistan can take points off anyone. Our prediction: Portugal first, Colombia second, DR Congo third with a good chance of going through among the best third-placed teams.