World Cup 2026 Group K Preview & Picks - Portugal and Colombia Tipped to Qualify

The Europeans are justifiable favourites at just 1.40, with Colombia next in the market at 3.50. DR Congo are available at 9.0, while Uzbekistan are the clear outsiders at 41.0 ahead of their first-ever World Cup finals appearance.

Portugal look a little short given the threat of a dangerous Colombian side capable of pushing Cristiano Ronaldo and company all the way, while DR Congo and Uzbekistan are likely to provide decent competition in a tough-looking section.

Let’s take a closer look at Group K.

Remarkably, still led by the ageless Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese head into the tournament as sixth-favourites at around 11.0 to claim a first-ever World Cup triumph.

In what will surely be the final farewell for Ronaldo - although we have said that before - the 41-year-old is set to lead the line in a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance.

The Al Nassr FC forward continues to defy his critics, scoring 25 goals in just 30 international appearances since the 2022 World Cup. The veteran has netted 143 goals for Portugal across a 23-year international career spanning 226 caps.

Beyond the never-ending Ronaldo storyline, Portugal possesses one of the strongest squads in the competition, particularly in midfield. Experienced duo Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva remain vital creative forces, while PSG pair Vitinha and Joao Neves provide elite technical quality and control in the middle of the park. 

Out wide, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto and Francisco Trincão offer pace, width and direct attacking threat.

The Europeans eased through qualification, finishing top of a tricky section featuring Hungary, Ireland and Armenia. Portugal scored 20 goals across six matches, with Ronaldo bagging five goals in five appearances.

The legendary forward’s continued presence inevitably brings huge expectation, but Roberto Martinez’s side appear well equipped to handle the pressure. Portugal should have more than enough quality to secure top spot in Group K.

The Portuguese begin their campaign with a favourable opener against DR Congo, and, with momentum behind them, they should prove the standout team in the section.

South American qualifiers Colombia look the obvious threat to Portugal and should not be entirely dismissed in the group winner market.

Eleventh favourites at 34.0 to go all the way in the Americas, Nestor Lorenzo’s side performed well throughout qualification, finishing third in the CONMEBOL section behind Argentina and Ecuador.

Dangerous in the forward areas, Los Cafeteros scored 28 goals while losing just four matches across 18 qualification fixtures.

Recent friendly defeats against France (3-1) and Croatia (2-1) have dampened expectations slightly, but Lorenzo’s men remain one of the stronger South American sides in the competition.

Returning to the World Cup after missing out in 2022, Colombia are making their eighth appearance at the finals. Los Cafeteros escaped the groups in both of their previous appearances, reaching the quarter-finals in 2014 before making the round of 16 four years later.

Experienced captain James Rodríguez has been included despite limited minutes with Minnesota United FC, but the form of Luis Díaz gives the South Americans plenty of reason for optimism. The FC Bayern Munich forward bagged 26 goals during an impressive campaign.

Elsewhere, Jefferson Lerma and Daniel Muñoz give Colombia physicality and Premier League-level quality, while former Tottenham defender Davinson Sánchez remains a lynchpin at the back.

Strong enough to take six points from their opening two games against Uzbekistan and DR Congo, top spot could well be on the line when Colombia face Portugal in their final Group K fixture in Miami.

African qualifiers DR Congo return to the World Cup for the first time in over half a century, but they will still fancy their chances of being competitive in Group K.

Third favourites to win the section, the Leopards secured a first World Cup appearance since 1974 - when they were previously known as Zaire - with an intercontinental playoff win against Bolivia in Mexico earlier this year.

Sebastien Desabre’s men performed well in CAF qualification Group B, finishing just two points behind a strong Senegalese side. A solid defence conceded just six goals across 11 World Cup qualifiers over the past year.

Athletic, direct and physically powerful, Congo are likely to provide stiff opposition in Group K. With Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu, Silas Katompa Mvumpa and Meschack Elia in attacking areas, the Leopards possess enough pace, power and quality to prove tricky customers in the Americas.

Despite their lack of experience at this level, Desabre’s side will still fancy their chances of progressing to the knockout phase. While unlikely to secure a top-two finish, third place looks achievable, with a final fixture against newcomers Uzbekistan likely to prove decisive in the expected battle for third.

Ranked 46th in the world - more than 40 places below Portugal ahead of their opening clash at NRG Stadium - DR Congo remain clear underdogs, but their athletic style and dangerous counter-attacking pace could still make them awkward opponents in Group K.

Their final fixture against tournament debutants Uzbekistan on June 28 looks winnable and could ultimately decide third place, and potentially whether DR Congo remain alive in the qualification race.

Competing at the World Cup for the first time in their history, Uzbekistan come into Group K as clear outsiders but will still hope to make an impression on the global stage.

The White Wolves secured a maiden qualification after finishing second in AFC Group A behind Iran, losing only once across 16 matches played over two qualification phases.

Led by legendary Italian World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, the Asians are expected to be organised, compact and difficult to break down, with Abdukodir Khusanov the standout performer in a squad built around structure and discipline.

Experienced forward Eldor Shomurodov remains the main attacking threat, while fellow İstanbul Başakşehir FK star Abbosbek Fayzullaev looks one to watch in the coming years.

While handed a particularly challenging section, the Uzbeks should not be underestimated in their debut appearance. Although early elimination remains the most likely outcome, Cannavaro’s side should still prove competitive opposition this summer.

Uzbekistan will do well to take anything from their opening two fixtures against Colombia and Portugal, though a final clash against DR Congo could still give them a realistic chance of fighting for third place.