Portugal go in search of a first World Cup 2026 win when they take on first-time participants Uzbekistan in Houston.
The Tuesday encounter serves as the perfect appetiser before the main course of England vs Ghana, and all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal’s iconic skipper, who is the record scorer in men’s international football, flattered to deceive in the 1-1 draw with DR Congo – but writing off the 41-year-old so soon would be a foolish move to make.
For Uzbekistan, this is a huge game after losing 3-1 to Colombia in their opener, though the debutants can perhaps take confidence from the way DR Congo frustrated Portugal’s array of stars.
Check out our full preview for this Group K encounter, and we have picked out some more World Cup betting tips with the latest football odds from NetBet Sport, some of which can be used in conjunction with our brilliant Bet Builder feature. Combine multiple markets into a single wager and play your way!
Where can I watch Portugal vs Uzbekistan in the UK?
Portugal vs Uzbekistan will be broadcast live on ITV1, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm UK time.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan Preview
Recent results
Portugal will be hugely disappointed by the DR Congo draw, with Joao Neves’ header cancelled out by Yoane Wissa just before half-time. Roberto Martinez’s side are unbeaten in six matches, but have only won three of the last five.
Managed by World Cup icon Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan players are no doubt just enjoying the ride, even after the 3-1 loss to Colombia. The Uzbeks are on a three-match winless run after previous defeats to Canada (2-0) and Netherlands (2-1).
Head-to-head record
Portugal and Uzbekistan have met just once previously, the 2012 international friendly finishing 5-2 in A Selecao’s favour.
Team news
Portugal boss Martinez has no injuries or suspensions to contend with, but surely changes will be made to the XI after the lacklustre display vs DR Congo. Francisco Conceicao, Rafael Leao, Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos are all high-quality starting options to freshen up the attack.
Jaloliddin Masharipov is expected to miss out for Uzbekistan through injury, while Rustam Ashurmatov is also a doubt.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Portugal are massive favourites at a price of 1.18. A win for Uzbekistan is at long odds of 14.00, while the draw is 6.40.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan Betting Tips
Both teams to score – Yes @ 2.25
Defence is not Portugal’s strongest area, evidenced by the fact Martinez’s men have kept just two clean sheets in the last six, conceding a goal vs DR Congo, Nigeria, Chile and Armenia. Furthermore, Uzbekistan have scored against some big nations in recent times, including Colombia, Netherlands, Egypt and Uruguay. With those stats in mind, backing a BTTS pick at better than evens could be a fantastic route to profit.
Portugal to win and both teams to score – Yes @ 3.02
And combining the BTTS pick with a Portugal win further increases the odds. A Selecao’s last two victories were by 2-1 scoreline vs Chile and Nigeria, and we would not be shocked to see a similar outcome here.
Anytime goalscorer – Cristiano Ronaldo @ 1.62
Ronaldo’s frustration vs DR Congo was evident for all to see. It is now 10 straight matches at a major tournament without a goal for arguably the greatest scorer of all time, so surely something has to give in this match. Ronaldo has five goals in his last eight international appearances.
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