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World Cup 2026 Group K Predictions, Tips and Odds

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Jack OgalbeJack Ogalbe
Jack Ogalbe takes a look at Group K at the World Cup finals, where Colombia and Portugal are expected to battle it out for top spot.
Sporting Lisbon's Luis Suarez is one a number of top attacking talents in the Colombia squad.
Sporting Lisbon's Luis Suarez is one a number of top attacking talents in the Colombia squad.
  • Group K Winner - Colombia @ 2/1

  • Group K Exact Finishing Order - Colombia/Portugal @ 5/2

  • Top scorer in Group K - Luis Suarez

World Cup Group K looks like a straightforward shootout between Portugal and Colombia, who are ranked sixth and 13th in the world.

They face DR Congo, ranked 45th and qualified for the first time since 1974, and debutants Uzbekistan, who are currently 50th in the world.

However, the expanded format means that both could be in with a chance of reaching the round of 32 when they meet in Atlanta on June 27.

Colombia

Quarter-finalists at the last World Cup in the Americas, Colombia have a point to prove after missing out on Qatar 2022.

Nestor Lorenzo's four-year reign has been geared towards this tournament and their hopes have been improved by Luis Suarez's emergence as a reliable number nine.

Suarez adds both goals and combination play with James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz.

Although Lorenzo has experimented in friendlies, those three are expected to operate ahead of an industrious midfield, selected to provide both an attacking platform and defensive protection, especially with the full-backs so keen to get forward.

Games against Uzbekistan and DR Congo could mean Los Cafeteros are already qualified by the time they face Portugal.

Colombia were excellent under Jose Pekerman in 2014, ultimately being eliminated by Brazil in the last eight. His fellow Argentinian Lorenzo has the tools to take this team on a similarly successful journey.

DR Congo

DR Congo have returned to the World Cup after 52 years and did it the hard way.

They squandered a 2-0 lead against Senegal, losing 3-2, and eventually finished second in qualifying Group B before beating Cameroon 1-0 and then Nigeria on penalties in the second round.

Axel Tuanzebe then scored an extra-time winner against Jamaica in the inter-confederation play-offs and that resilience will be the bedrock of their campaign, with Sebastien Desabre expected to favour a defensive gameplan.

Africa's second-largest country by land mass and fourth largest by population should maybe have done more in international football and they have looked abroad to improve their squad.

Former EFL defender Gabriel Zakuani has led an aggressive scouting drive and persuaded several stars from the Congolese diaspora to declare for the Leopards.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Yoane Wissa are among those born abroad to play for Congo through family links and feature in a talented squad that can be competitive.

Portugal

Portugal's campaign is likely to be defined by how they can get the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The highest-scoring player in international football history, Ronaldo turned 41 in February, and this could be his last major tournament.

With a lack of clear alternatives, CR7 is expected to lead the attack and be supported by one of the deepest squads at the World Cup and coach Roberto Martinez has said his squad feel ready to win this tournament.

Martinez has shown tactical dexterity by utilising 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and 3-4-3 to find solutions to his team's problems against low blocks.

Adapting to the opposition and getting the best from Ronaldo will be the Spaniard's greatest challenges, yet Portugal have the talent to go far in this tournament, although they have too often disappointed on the big stage.

Uzbekistan

Among the four countries making their World Cup debuts, Uzbekistan had previously been viewed as chokers after throwing away qualification on several occasions before finally confirming their place at this tournament last June.

Srecko Katanec put them in a strong position before retiring on health grounds in January 2025.

Timur Kapadze got them over the line, but the federation seemingly wanted a bigger name and Fabio Cannavaro took the job last October.

The 52-year-old captained Italy to glory at Germany 2006 and his team approach the tournament without pressure due to a difficult fixture list.

Uzbekistan make their World Cup debut against Colombia before facing Portugal, with their most favourable fixture against DR Congo, which is also their last.

Cannavaro's focus is likely to be on defensive discipline, with Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov a leader at the back, but the White Wolves also boast attacking talent.

Istanbul Basaksehir pair Eldor Shomurodov, who is his country's record scorer and Abbosbek Fayzullaev have a good understanding, which could test opposition defences.

Who will win World Cup Group K?

DR Congo and Uzbekistan provide a bit of unpredictability, but on form and reputation, Portugal and Colombia should meet in the Group K decider in Miami on June 27.

The large Colombian population in the city could give Los Cafeteros an edge. However, in such a long tournament, both Martinez and Lorenzo may look to rest some players in this game with a view to keeping their squads fresh and an eye on the draw for the round of 32.

Portugal are such big favourites to win Group K, but the conditions and the crowd favour Colombia and they are worth siding with.

Who will finish second in World Cup Group K?

Portugal have plenty of talent but a relatively poor World Cup record. They reached the quarter-finals in 2022, having not made it past the round of 16 in three attempts since finishing fourth in 2006.

While they should qualify, the Selecao might have to settle for second due to doubts about their ability to break down low blocks, which they are sure to face against Congo and Uzbekistan, potentially leading to dropped points.

Colombia are also looking to correct some of their tactical flaws, yet their attacking dynamism and Suarez’s directness are noteworthy.

Who will be the top goalscorer from World Cup Group K?

All eyes will be on Ronaldo in his sixth and probably final World Cup, but Colombia's Suarez gets the nod to top the scoring charts in Group K.

Diaz and Rodriguez will provide chances, and Suarez has an international pedigree after becoming the first Colombian to score four goals in a game in the 6-3 qualifying victory over Venezuela, finishing the CONMEBOL process with seven goals.

The 28-year-old scored 28 goals in 32 Primeira Liga games in his first season for Sporting and Fenerbahce are believed to have got ahead of the pack by seeking his signing before the start of this tournament.


See all World Cup 2026 fixtures and group tables.

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World Cup 2026 Group K Predictions, Tips and Odds