The World Cup 2026 Group K preview and teams reveal one of the most compelling pools in North America Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, a dangerous Colombia side, African debutants-returned DR Congo, and first-timers Uzbekistan. The group runs from June 17 to June 27, 2026, with matches in Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Mexico City, and Guadalajara. For African football fans, this group has one special focus: the Leopards of DR Congo are back at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years and they are not here to make up the numbers.
Group K at a Glance
| Team | Confederation | FIFA Ranking (Nov 2025) | World Cup Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | UEFA | 6th | 9th |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | CONMEBOL | 13th | 7th |
| 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | AFC | 50th | 1st (Debut) |
| 🇨🇩 DR Congo | CAF | 56th | 2nd (First since 1974) |
Group K Fixtures and Schedule
- June 17: Portugal vs DR Congo — NRG Stadium, Houston
- June 17: Uzbekistan vs Colombia — Guadalajara, Mexico
- June 23: Portugal vs Uzbekistan — NRG Stadium, Houston
- June 23: Colombia vs DR Congo — Atlanta, USA
- June 27: Colombia vs Portugal — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- June 27: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan — Mexico City, Mexico
The final day fixtures are perfectly set up. If DR Congo and Uzbekistan both have points going into June 27, that Mexico City clash becomes a must-win for both sides. Meanwhile, the Colombia vs Portugal showdown in Miami is the group’s marquee game — and could define who tops the group.
DR Congo: Africa’s Leopards Are Back and Hungry
This is the team every African football fan should get behind in Group K. DR Congo return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 back when they were known as Zaire. That 52-year wait has finally ended, and the manner of their qualification makes the story even more special.
They finished second behind Senegal in CAF qualifying, then had to survive the inter-confederation play-offs. They beat Cameroon. They beat Nigeria the Super Eagles on penalties. Then they defeated Jamaica in extra time thanks to Axel Tuanzebe’s winning goal in Guadalajara on March 31, 2026. Every step of that journey was a battle. They earned every single bit of this.
Captain Chancel Mbemba is the rock at the back 107 caps, DR Congo’s most-capped player ever, and the man who scored the decisive penalty against Nigeria. His leadership cannot be overstated. Up front, Cédric Bakambu of Real Betis brings the goals, sitting just one strike behind the all-time national scoring record with 21. Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United adds pace and directness in attack. Box-to-box midfielder Noah Sadiki is one of the most dynamic young players in this squad — technically gifted and relentless in his pressing.
Coach Sébastien Desabre a Frenchman who has worked in eight African countries — has built a team with real structure and belief. Their target is to win the country’s first World Cup match in history. That is not an unrealistic dream.
Key player: Chancel Mbemba. Captain, leader, and the reason DR Congo are here.
Portugal: Ronaldo’s Farewell Tour or a Genuine Title Tilt?
Make no mistake – Portugal are the overwhelming favourites to top Group K. Coach Roberto Martínez has built one of the deepest and most balanced squads in world football. FIFA rank them sixth globally. They arrive as reigning UEFA Nations League champions. And yes, Cristiano Ronaldo is still here at 41, captaining the side at his record sixth World Cup, chasing the one major trophy that has eluded him throughout a legendary career.
Ronaldo carries the personal storyline. But this Portugal side does not need him to win football matches they beat the United States 2-0 without him in a pre-tournament warm-up. Bruno Fernandes orchestrates from midfield. Vitinha, João Neves, and Nuno Mendes arrive on a Champions League high after PSG lifted back-to-back European Cups. Rúben Dias anchors a formidable defensive unit. On the wings, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, and Francisco Conceição offer genuine pace and creativity.
Portugal have never played any of their Group K opponents in a competitive fixture before. These are fresh matchups. Martínez will want maximum points early clean wins against DR Congo and Uzbekistan before the defining showdown with Colombia in Miami on June 27.
Key player: Bruno Fernandes. He is Portugal’s engine — the man who makes them tick when it matters.
Colombia: The Dark Horses Who Can Seriously Trouble Portugal
Do not let the rankings fool you. Colombia are ranked 13th in the world, but this is a side with the quality and mentality to reach the latter stages of this tournament. Their best World Cup performance remains a quarter-final finish in 2014, and this generation has enough talent to at least match that.
Colombia finished third in CONMEBOL qualifying — competitive South American football that hardens any squad. They are a well-organised, physically strong side with real quality in midfield and attack. The Colombia vs Portugal clash on June 27 in Miami is arguably the most evenly contested match in the group, and could easily go either way.
For DR Congo, the June 23 meeting with Colombia in Atlanta is arguably their defining group stage game. Win that, and the Leopards are seriously in contention to advance.
Watch for: Colombia playing without fear against Portugal in Miami — they have nothing to lose and the quality to cause a genuine upset.
Uzbekistan: Debut Underdogs with a World Cup Winner in Charge
Uzbekistan make their first-ever World Cup appearance, guided by a fascinating coaching appointment — former Italian World Cup winner and Ballon d’Or finalist Fabio Cannavaro. The legendary defender has tried to instil the defensive discipline that made Italian football so formidable in his playing days.
Ranked 50th in the world, Uzbekistan qualified as AFC third round Group A runners-up. On paper they are the weakest team in the group. But tournament football rewards organisation and belief, and Cannavaro will have his side well-drilled and difficult to break down. Expect them to sit deep, fight hard, and look for moments on the counter-attack. A point from this group would be a genuine achievement.
Watch for: Uzbekistan giving Portugal or Colombia an unexpectedly tough 90 minutes if they can keep their defensive structure intact.
Group K Prediction: Who Qualifies?
Portugal top this group. Their depth and quality make them the clear favourites. The real contest is for second place, and it is genuinely wide open between Colombia and DR Congo.
Colombia have the pedigree and physical quality. DR Congo have the hunger, the organisation, and a squad that proved they can beat anyone on their day. Their head-to-head clash in Atlanta on June 23 is the group’s most important African story. If the Leopards win that, second place is in their hands.
Predicted Group K standings:
- Portugal (advance)
- Colombia (advance)
- DR Congo (possible Round of 32 as best third-placed)
- Uzbekistan
But do not rule DR Congo out of second place. They have been the ultimate underdogs throughout qualifying, and every time the world doubted them, they delivered. Group K could be where Africa writes its best chapter of World Cup 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams are in World Cup 2026 Group K?
World Cup 2026 Group K consists of Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan. Portugal are the group favourites, Colombia are the strongest challengers, DR Congo are the African representatives returning after 52 years away, and Uzbekistan are making their World Cup debut.
When do DR Congo play at the World Cup 2026?
DR Congo’s Group K fixtures are: Portugal vs DR Congo on June 17 in Houston, Colombia vs DR Congo on June 23 in Atlanta, and DR Congo vs Uzbekistan on June 27 in Mexico City. Their June 23 clash with Colombia is their most important group stage match.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo is in Portugal’s squad for World Cup 2026. At 41, this is his sixth World Cup a world record for any outfield player. He captains the side and is chasing the one major trophy that has escaped him throughout his career.
Can DR Congo qualify from World Cup 2026 Group K?
DR Congo are genuine outsiders to qualify from Group K. If they beat Uzbekistan and take something from Colombia, second place is mathematically possible. Their qualification run — which included beating Cameroon and Nigeria proves this squad can deliver under pressure on the biggest stage.
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Samuel Jegede is a passionate football writer and sports enthusiast dedicated to covering African football, World Cup 2026 developments, player profiles, match analysis, and breaking news for fans across Africa and beyond.