2026 FIFA World Cup Group K: Teams, fixtures, and key players fact file

The Group K fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are scheduled to take place between June 17 and June 28, 2026, across major host cities including Atlanta, Guadalajara, Houston, Mexico City, and Miami.

The group features an intriguing mix of footballing powerhouses, emerging challengers, and returning underdogs, with Portugal, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uzbekistan all battling for qualification to the knockout stages.

Portugal

Portugal national football team head into the tournament carrying huge expectations, with many believing the 2026 World Cup could mark the final appearance of legendary captain Cristiano Ronaldo on football’s biggest stage.

The Portuguese side is expected to be highly motivated, especially following the tragic passing of forward Diogo Jota last year. With much of the global spotlight focused on favourites such as Spain, France, and Argentina, Portugal may quietly emerge as one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams.

Led by head coach Roberto Martinez, Portugal boasts a talented squad blending experience and youth. Midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes remains central to their creativity, while exciting full-back Nuno Mendes is tipped as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.

Nickname: Seleção das Quinas
Tournament Appearances: 9
Best Finish: Third Place (1966)
Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
Key Player: Bruno Fernandes
One to Watch: Nuno Mendes
Colombia

Colombia national football team arrive at the World Cup as one of the tournament’s most underrated sides.

Los Cafeteros impressed football fans around the world with a superb run to the final of the recent Copa America, outperforming continental giants such as Brazil and Uruguay.

The team, coached by Nestor Lorenzo, combines flair, pace, and technical quality. Luis Diaz remains their primary attacking threat, while veteran playmaker James Rodriguez continues to provide leadership and creativity in midfield.

Young striker Jhon Duran is also expected to play a major role and could emerge as one of the competition’s surprise stars.

Nickname: Los Cafeteros
Tournament Appearances: 7
Best Finish: Quarterfinalists (2014)
Captain: James Rodriguez
Key Player: Luis Diaz
One to Watch: Jhon Duran
Democratic Republic of Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team return to the World Cup stage for the first time in decades, having last appeared in the tournament as Zaire in 1974.

The Leopards are eager to make a stronger impression this time around after their difficult debut campaign more than 50 years ago. Qualification for the 2026 tournament has already been celebrated as a historic achievement for the nation.

Head coach Sebastien Desabre has assembled a disciplined and energetic squad led by experienced defender Chancel Mbemba.

Brentford forward Yoane Wissa is expected to be their main attacking weapon, while promising youngster Noah Sadiki is viewed as one of the country’s brightest emerging talents.

Nickname: Leopards
Tournament Appearances: 2
Best Finish: Group Stage (1974)
Captain: Chancel Mbemba
Key Player: Yoane Wissa
One to Watch: Noah Sadiki
Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan national football team will make history with their first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup after years of progress in Asian football.

Much of the squad’s success has been built around the talented generation that impressed at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where Uzbekistan advanced to the knockout stages following strong performances in the group phase.

Managed by former Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro, the White Wolves are regarded as one of the tournament’s most exciting newcomers.

Captain Eldor Shomurodov will provide leadership and experience, while talented defender Abdukodir Khusanov and attacking midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev are expected to attract significant attention during the competition.

Nickname: White Wolves
Tournament Appearances: 1
Best Finish: N/A
Captain: Eldor Shomurodov
Key Player: Abdukodir Khusanov
One to Watch: Abbosbek Fayzullaev
Group K Fixtures
Portugal vs DR Congo — June 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM GMT | Houston
Uzbekistan vs Colombia — June 18, 2026 | 3:00 AM GMT | Mexico City
Portugal vs Uzbekistan — June 23, 2026 | 6:00 PM GMT | Houston
Colombia vs DR Congo — June 24, 2026 | 3:00 AM GMT | Guadalajara
Colombia vs Portugal — June 28, 2026 | 12:30 AM GMT | Miami
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan — June 28, 2026 | 12:30 AM GMT | Atlanta