At first glance, 2026 World Cup Group K looks like Portugal’s to lose. They arrive with one of the strongest squads in the tournament and will be expected to finish top of the group. However, there is a lot of competition behind them.
Colombia have quietly developed into a dangerous side in international football and could potentially push Portugal all the way for first place.
Meanwhile, DR Congo bring a physical edge and plenty of enthusiasm on their return to the World Cup stage. At the same time, Uzbekistan will be eager to make history in their first-ever appearance at the tournament.
On paper, Portugal and Colombia look the most likely teams to progress. Even so, World Cups have a habit of producing surprises, and both DR Congo and Uzbekistan will believe they can upset the odds.
If that happens, Group K could quickly become one of the most unpredictable groups at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Who is in World Cup Group K?
World Cup Group K features Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan. The four nations represent three different confederations and will compete for a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Portugal enter the group as clear favourites. With world-class talent throughout the squad and vast tournament experience, expectations will be high as they look to make a deep run in North America.
Their final group game against Colombia could prove crucial in deciding who tops the standings.
Colombia are widely viewed as Portugal’s biggest challenger. The South Americans have a balanced squad, plenty of attacking quality and a recent track record of competing with some of the world’s best teams.
Many fans will see them as strong contenders to qualify alongside Portugal.
DR Congo returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 and will be determined to make the most of their opportunity.
While they may start as outsiders, they have enough athleticism and individual quality to make life difficult for every team in the group.
Uzbekistan are one of the feel-good stories of the tournament after reaching their first World Cup.
With little pressure and plenty of excitement surrounding the squad, they could prove to be a dangerous opponent, especially if they can carry their qualification form onto the biggest stage.
What are the latest Group K odds?
Odds via 10bet and correct at the time of writing.
Portugal: 4/9 (1.444)
Colombia: 9/5 (2.80)
Congo DR: 14/1 (15.00)
Uzbekistan: 33/1 (34.00)
What are the World Cup Group K fixtures?
- June 17: Portugal vs Congo DR, Houston Stadium
- June 18: Uzbekistan vs Colombia, Mexico City Stadium
- June 23: Portugal vs Uzbekistan, Houston Stadium
- June 24: Colombia vs Congo DR, Guadalajara Stadium
- June 28: Colombia vs Portugal, Miami Stadium
- June 28: Congo DR vs Uzbekistan, Atlanta Stadium
Who are the key players in World Cup Group K?
Portugal: Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes could be the player who makes the difference for Portugal in World Cup Group K. While Portugal have quality across the pitch, few players influence games as consistently as the Manchester United midfielder.
His creativity, vision and ability to produce decisive moments make him one of the most dangerous playmakers in the tournament. Whether it is a defence-splitting pass, a set-piece delivery or a goal from distance, Fernandes has the tools to change a match in an instant.
If Portugal are to justify their status as group favourites, expect Bruno Fernandes to be at the heart of everything they do.
Colombia: Luis Díaz
Luis Díaz remains Colombia’s biggest attacking threat and the player most capable of producing moments of magic. The Bayern Munich winger has built a reputation as an exciting forward thanks to his pace, direct running and ability to beat defenders one-on-one.
In a group where Colombia are expected to battle Portugal for top spot, Díaz could be the difference-maker. His ability to create chances out of nothing gives Colombia a genuine match-winner against any opponent.
If Colombia are to make a statement at the 2026 World Cup, Díaz will likely play a leading role.
DR Congo: Noah Sadiki
Noah Sadiki could be the player who drives DR Congo forward in World Cup Group K. The talented midfielder has quickly established himself as one of the country’s brightest young stars and brings energy, intelligence and technical quality to the heart of the team.
What makes Sadiki so important is his ability to influence both sides of the game. He can break up opposition attacks, keep possession under pressure and help launch dangerous counter-attacks. Those qualities could be vital for a DR Congo side looking to compete against higher-ranked opponents.
If DR Congo are to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds, Sadiki looks like the player most capable of helping them exceed expectations.
Uzbekistan: Abdukodir Khusanov
Abdukodir Khusanov is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young defenders in international football. Despite his age, he already plays with a maturity and confidence that make him a key figure for Uzbekistan.
The centre-back’s pace, strength and defensive awareness will be tested against some of the world’s best attackers in Group K. However, he has shown throughout his rapid rise that he is capable of handling big occasions.
Uzbekistan may be making their World Cup debut, but Khusanov looks like the player most likely to help them compete with more experienced nations and potentially spring a surprise.
What are the best bets for World Cup Group K?
Portugal to win World Cup Group K looks like the standout bet in this group. Roberto Martinez’s side arguably have the strongest squad and the most tournament experience of the four nations.
While Colombia are more than capable of making things difficult, Portugal should have enough quality to finish top of the standings.
Another market worth considering is Bruno Fernandes to finish as Portugal’s top scorer at the tournament.
Much of the attention will naturally fall on Cristiano Ronaldo, but Fernandes has a habit of delivering goals and assists on the biggest stage.
If Portugal enjoy a deep run at the 2026 World Cup, he could be involved in a large percentage of their attacking output.
Colombia to qualify from World Cup Group K also stands out as an attractive option. The South Americans have developed into a well-balanced team with quality across the pitch, and they look stronger on paper than both DR Congo and Uzbekistan.
If they perform to their potential, reaching the last 32 would be the minimum expectation.
That said, DR Congo should not be overlooked. They have plenty of athleticism, physicality and emerging talent within their squad.
Players such as Noah Sadiki and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could help them spring a surprise and make life uncomfortable for the group’s bigger names.
Who will qualify from World Cup Group K?
1. Portugal
2. Colombia
3. DR Congo
4. Uzbekistan
For me, Portugal are the clear favourites to win World Cup Group K. They have the deepest squad, the most experience and match-winners all over the pitch. While I don’t expect them to have everything their own way, it would be a surprise if they failed to finish top of the group.
I’m also backing Colombia to join them in the knockout rounds. In my view, they are one of the most underrated teams at the 2026 World Cup. Luis Díaz gives them a genuine star player, while the rest of the squad has a good blend of quality, energy and tournament know-how. They look slightly stronger and more complete than the other two challengers in the group.
That leaves DR Congo in third place, although I think they could make things very uncomfortable for Colombia. They have plenty of athleticism and several exciting young players, with a few stars standing out as players who could have breakout tournaments.
If DR Congo are going to spring a surprise, they will likely need to take points from Colombia in what could be the defining game in the race for second place.
Uzbekistan may finish fourth in my predicted standings, but I don’t think they will be pushovers. Making their first World Cup is a huge achievement, and they have already shown they can exceed expectations.
Even so, when comparing squad depth and overall quality, I find it difficult to put them ahead of the other three nations.
My prediction is Portugal and Colombia to qualify, but I wouldn’t be shocked if DR Congo made the battle for second place far closer than many people expect.
Check out our other 2026 World Cup Group previews:
- – World Cup Group A preview: Mexico, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa
- – World Cup Group B preview: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland
- – World Cup Group C preview: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti
- – World Cup Group D preview: USA, Paraguay, Australia and Turkey
- – World Cup Group E preview: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curaçao
- – World Cup Group F preview: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia
- – World Cup Group G preview: Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand
- – World Cup Group H preview: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay
- – World Cup Group I preview: France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway
- – World Cup Group J preview: Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan
- – World Cup Group L preview: England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama
