Portugal vs Uzbekistan LIVE
Action from the World Cup continued on Tuesday evening with another David vs Goliath showdown as the much-fancied Portugal beat tournament debutants Uzbekistan in Houston. The opening Group K game brought about frustration for Roberto Martinez's side as they were held to a draw by DR Congo despite taking an early lead, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes and Cristiano Ronaldo largely subdued.
The Portugal captain came in for some criticism for his performance but he responded in style by creating World Cup history as his nation got their campaign back on track. It took all of six minutes on Tuesday evening for Ronaldo to silence his doubters as he broke the deadlock with an excellent finish and set a record by becoming the first player to score at six different World Cups.
Mendes doubled the lead with a fine free-kick before Ronaldo added another before the break. An Abdukodir Khusanov own goal ended any faint hope of a comeback and then substitute Rafael Leao completed the 5-0 rout late on. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan latest news
- GOAL! Rafa Leao smashes home a fifth late on
- GOAL! Khusanov puts through his own net
- GOAL! Ronaldo scores again
- NO GOAL! Ganiev denied stunner by VAR
- GOAL! Nuno Mendes free-kick doubles Portugal's lead
- GOAL! Ronaldo fires Portugal into early lead
Portugal win
20:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
A five-star display from Portugal puts them top of Group K.
Cristiano Ronaldo steals the show with a brace as he announces his arrival at the World Cup party.
FULL-TIME
19:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan
Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan
19:57 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
90+3 min: CHANCE!
Nearly a sixth for Portugal but Trincao puts his effort just wide. Good play from Mendes down the left-hand side.
Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan
19:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
90 min: Into five minutes of stoppage time.
GOAL! Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan | Rafael Leao ‘88
19:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
88 min: PORTUGAL HAVE FIVE!
Rafael Leao with an instant impact off the bench, slams the ball into the top corner after being picked out by Nelson Semedo.
Portugal 4-0 Uzbekistan
19:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
84 min: First involvement for Leao, though he is let down by a heavy touch. Portugal are able to keep the pressure on as Fernandes forces Nematov into a parry.
Portugal 4-0 Uzbekistan
19:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
82 min: Attacking change for Portugal, even at 4-0 up, as Rafa Leao replaces Vitinha.
Portugal 4-0 Uzbekistan
19:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
78 min: Shomurodov turns and shoots but can’t keep his effort down.
Portugal 4-0 Uzbekistan
19:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
76 min: Latest Portugal change sees Joao Neves make way for Bernardo Silva. Looks like a central midfield role for the ex-Man City man, he did struggle out wide against DR Congo last week.
Portugal 4-0 Uzbekistan
19:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
73 min: Apart from that mini flurry after Portugal’s second goal, Uzbekistan have not had much to celebrate.
They do combine to keep Ronaldo out, not one by twice as Nematov makes a fine reaction save.
Portugal 4-0 Uzbekistan
19:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
69 min: Veiga booked for catching Ganiev in the mouth. Such a needless yellow card to pick up.
Hydration break time, a chance for the Fabio Cannavaro and Roberto Martinez to have a word with their players.
Portugal 4-0 Uzbekistan
19:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
66 min: Conceicao causing all sorts of problems for Uzbekistan down the right hand side but Fernandes is unhappy with him and Neves for not playing the ball into the box earlier.
Portugal 4-0 Uzbekistan
19:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
63 min: Another Portugal change sees Trincao take the place of Joao Felix.
GOAL! Portugal 4-0 Uzbekistan | Abdukodir Khusanov own goal ‘59
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
59 min: Untidy goal for Uzbekistan to concede as the ball hits Abdukodir Khusanov and crosses the line despite Abduvokhid Nematov’s best efforts.
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
19:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
58 min: Oh that’s genius, Ronaldo jogs away from the ball but it’s a decoy as Fernandes dinks the ball over the top but Nematov rushes off his line to make the save, clattering Ronaldo in the process.
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
19:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
57 min: Another Portugal free-kick, a lot further out than the one Mendes took for his goal. Ronaldo standing over this, don’t think he is passing this one up.
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
19:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
56 min: Shukurov pulls a shot wide to earn a corner for Uzbekistan. Portugal players not happy as they feel Vitinha was fouled and that they should have a free-kick of their own.
In any case, the set-piece comes to nothing as Ronaldo does his defensive duties.
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
19:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
52 min: Nematov nearly gifts Ronaldo a goal by taking far too long with his clearance. Khusanov does the same with a casual flick in his own box but Mendes can’t take the ball into his stride.
At the other end, Costa is equal to Fayzullaev’s shot.
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
19:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
50 min: Not quite the fast start to the second half for Portugal, the opposite to the first half. They are, of course, 3-0 up and cruising to victory.
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
19:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
47 min: Double change for Uzbekistan too, Mozgovoy and Alijonov are on.
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
19:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
46 min: It’s all change for Portugal down the right-hand side with Semedo and Conceicao replacing Cancelo and Neto.
KICK-OFF!
19:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Back underway in Houston.
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
19:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Bruno Fernandes assist (heard that a lot this season) and a fine finish from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Look how much it means to him 🤩
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 23, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo scores his second of the match and Portugal lead 3-0... pic.twitter.com/jUSzcCrkyX
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
18:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Think Nematov was just as surprised as everyone watching from home...
The perfect decoy 🙌
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 23, 2026
Nuno Mendes fires in a free-kick that looked destined for Cristiano Ronaldo... pic.twitter.com/2tjSfQYF3K
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
18:57 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Form is temporary, class is permanent. It took all of six minutes for Cristiano Ronaldo to provide a reminder.
LISTEN TO THAT NOISE 🔊
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 23, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first player to score at 6⃣ different World Cups! pic.twitter.com/Ujv8hS0510
HALF-TIME
18:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
18:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
45+6 min: CHANCE!
Almost a first-half hat-trick for Ronaldo but his improvised effort is cleared off the line.
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
18:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
45+3 min: Superb block from Renato Veiga to stop Portugal conceding. He had to make that and he did.
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
18:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
45+2 min: Into SIX minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan
18:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
42 min: Decent chance for Portugal as Joao Felix is put through. He is caught in two minds and lashes the ball over the bar when he had Ronaldo square and in acres of space.
GOAL! Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan | Cristiano Ronaldo ‘38
18:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
38 min: Portugal are running riot now, Bruno Fernandes feeds Cristiano Ronaldo and he has enough pace to get away from his marker and then picks out the bottom corner.
Portugal 2-0 Uzbekistan
18:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
36 min: Good wing play from Neto as he bursts away down the right but can’t pick out a team-mate. Mendes then shows great recovery pace at the other end to nip an Uzbekistan attack in the bud.
Portugal 2-0 Uzbekistan
18:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
30 min: WHAT A STRIKE!
Uzbekistan are right back in this as Azizjon Ganiev smashes an effort into the top corner.
However, his joy may be short-lived as there is a VAR review ongoing.
Portugal 2-0 Uzbekistan
18:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
23 min: Hydration break time just as Uzbekistan had seen a counter-attack stopped by Cancelo.
GOAL! Portugal 2-0 Uzbekistan | Nuno Mendes ‘17
18:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
17 min: GOALLLLL
Ronaldo off his trademark run up...leaves it to Nuno Mendes who curls the ball into the bottom corner.
The plan pays off to perfection.
Portugal 1-0 Uzbekistan
18:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
14 min: Hamrobekov is booked for a foul on Pedro Neto right on the edge of the area. I wonder who will be taking this...
Portugal 1-0 Uzbekistan
18:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
11 min: Good defending from Uzbekistan from a free-kick, first the punch away from Nematov and then a block to deny Cancelo.
Portugal 1-0 Uzbekistan
18:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
9 min: Ronaldo has now become the first player to score in six World Cups. Some achievement that and what a finish it was.
GOAL! Portugal 1-0 Uzbekistan | Cristiano Ronaldo ‘6
18:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
6 min: GOALLLLLLLLL
Who else? Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at the World Cup party, gets across his marker to sweep home Joao Cancelo’s cross.
Portugal 0-0 Uzbekistan
18:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
4 min: Super cross from Mendes, intended for Ronaldo but he can’t make connection with the ball and beats the turf in frustration. Can’t complain about the service there.
Portugal 0-0 Uzbekistan
18:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
2 min: Portugal straight on to the attack as Bruno Fernandes smashes the ball across the face of goal, where there are no takers. Seconds later, the Man United midfielder creates space in the box but has a shot deflected over the bar.
KICK-OFF!
18:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Away we go!
As things stand
17:56 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Portugal will move above Colombia at the top of Group K, albeit only for a few hours, with victory and all-but guarantee a place in the round of 32.
Defeat for Uzbekistan will confirm their elimination with a game to spare.
Not long now
17:56 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The national anthems have been completed, as have the pre-match pleasantries between both sets of players and officials.
Kick-off is next.
HERE WE GO!
17:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The teams are out at the Houston Stadium.
The national anthems are next.
How tournament debutants have fared
17:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Uzbekistan are one of four nations making their World Cup debuts at this tournament, along with Cape Verde, Curacao and Jordan.
Cape Verde have provided the story of the World Cup so far, holding Spain and Uruguay to draws which means they have a great chance to reach the knockout stage.
Kick-off approaching in Houston
17:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
15 minutes to go until kick-off at the Houston Stadium
Around the grounds
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The other game in this group, Colombia vs DR Congo, gets underway at 3am BST in the UK.
Victory for Colombia will seal a place in the knockout stage, but DR Congo are a difficult team to break down - just ask Portugal.
Which teams are already out of the World Cup 2026?
17:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The World Cup is rapidly approaching the business end of the group stage, with a number of teams already seeing their hopes of progress dashed.
An increase from 32 to 48 nations for this summer’s tournament in North America has led to the addition of 24 more games during the first phase, with the top two from each of the 12 four-team groups advancing through to the newly-created round of 32, along with the best eight third-place finishers.
A less well-known but still significant change for this World Cup has been FIFA deciding to use head-to-head records above goal difference as the principal tiebreaker during the group stage.
That means that a number of teams who would previously have gone into the last round of group fixtures still with a slim chance of reaching the knockout rounds now know that they mathematically have no shot.
Here is a list of all the nations that are already definitely out of the 2026 World Cup.
Team news reminder
17:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Here is how both teams will line-up today.
Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Joao Felix, Ronaldo.
Substitutes: Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Dalot, Nunes, Semedo, Inacio, Araujo, Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Bernardo Silva, Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos.
Uzbekistan XI: Nematov; Karimov, Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov, Nasrullaev; Shukurov, Hamrobekov, Ganiev, Fayzullaev; Shomurodov.
Substitutes: Ergashev, Yusupov, Alijonov, Sayfiev, Eshmurodov, Ulmasaliev, Urozov, Mozgovoy, Iskanderov, Jiyanov, Urunov, Khamdamov, Esanov, Amonov, Sergeev.
Man City stars go head-to-head
17:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Two current Manchester City players go head-to-head this evening with Ruben Dias and Abdukodir Khusanov named in the Portugal and Uzbekistan starting XI’s respectively.
Ex-Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva is on the bench
Portugal backed to win
17:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
World cup Score Prediction
— NAKO APPROVES (@Nak0_0fficia1) June 23, 2026
Match 45
Portugal 🇵🇹 2-0 Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
Fan thoughts: Portugal under pressure
17:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Portugal will be looking to avoid an unwanted repeat of 2014 today 🇵🇹👀
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 23, 2026
The last time they failed to win either of their opening two World Cup matches, they went out in the group stage ❌ pic.twitter.com/dZsVfYeL5T
Fan reaction: Ronaldo pressure
17:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Cristiano Ronaldo has Arrived in Texas! 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/FrcxcWF9as
— World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia) June 23, 2026
Uzbekistan changes
17:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Rustam Ashurmatov is passed fit to start for Uzbekistan this evening in what is a massive fitness boost for the underdogs.
However, Fabio Cannavaro has rung the changes, particularly in goal as Abduvokhid Nematov gets the nod ahead of Utkir Yusupov.
CONFIRMED PORTUGAL TEAM NEWS
17:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Here is the Portugal team selected by Roberto Martinez to face Uzbekistan...
O 𝗫𝗜 𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 para o segundo teste no Mundial 2026 💪#VaiDarPortugal | #PORUZB #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ur1HoJ2oqu
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 23, 2026
Portugal changes
16:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Roberto Martinez makes two changes from the Portugal side that were held to a draw against DR Congo last week.
In defence, Ruben Dias returns and will partner Renato Veiga.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has a new partner in attack as Joao Felix replaces Bernardo Silva.
Uzbekistan team in full
16:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Uzbekistan XI: Nematov; Karimov, Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov, Nasrullaev; Shukurov, Hamrobekov, Ganiev, Fayzullaev; Shomurodov.
Substitutes: Ergashev, Yusupov, Alijonov, Sayfiev, Eshmurodov, Ulmasaliev, Urozov, Mozgovoy, Iskanderov, Jiyanov, Urunov, Khamdamov, Esanov, Amonov, Sergeev.
Portugal team in full
16:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Joao Felix, Ronaldo.
Substitutes: Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Dalot, Nunes, Semedo, Inacio, Araujo, Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Bernardo Silva, Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan LIVE - team news imminent
16:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The teams will be announced shortly!
Stay tuned...
Who is in charge of Uzbekistan?
16:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
That honour falls upon Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro, who lifted the trophy 20 years ago.
Cannavaro was appointed Uzbekistan national team head coach last October, particularly for their debut World Cup appearance and has won three of his nine games in charge.
Martinez leaps to Ronaldo's defence
16:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Here is what Roberto Martinez has said about Cristiano Ronaldo, amid calls to drop the Portugal captain.
“Cristiano is in the national team on merit. Nobody gets into the national team by just having a name. On the field, he's a player who draws defenders and creates space for others, and for us, that's really important."
"It makes no sense to get the best goalscorer in world football out in a game that you need goals.
“A player's main weakness is usually when they don't show enough effort or don't have the right mindset. A player who doesn't show commitment or the right attitude isn't selected for the national team."
Uzbekistan squad
16:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov, Botirali Ergashev, Abduvokhid Nematov
Defenders: Avazbek Ulmasaliev, Jakhongir Urozov, Rustamjon Ashurmatov, Umarbek Eshmurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Farrukh Sayfiev, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Behruz Karimov
Midfielders: Sherzod Esanov, Umarali Rakhmonaliev, Akmal Mozgovoy, Otabek Shukurov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Azizjon Ganiev, Abbosek Fayzullaev, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Oston Urunov
Forwards: Azizbek Amonov, Igor Sergeev, Eldor Shomurodov
Predicted Portugal XI
16:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Debate rages on about Cristiano Ronaldo, who against the DR Congo became the oldest outfield player ever at a World Cup at 41 years of age.
He is expected to start up top once more, but it remains to be seen whether Roberto Martinez sticks or twists with Bernardo Silva wide right and Pedro Neto on the opposite flank.
Predicted Portugal XI (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves; Silva, Fernandes, Rafa Leao; Ronaldo.
Uzbekistan lose first World Cup game
16:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Goals in the second from Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz ultimately saw Colombia come out on top against Uzbekistan as the last two teams began their World Cup campaign.
The South Americans broke the deadlock when Diaz’s cross into the box was met by a well-timed run from Daniel Munoz to steer the ball past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov.
Uzbekistan showed more attacking intent after the break and found an equaliser with their first real opportunity on the hour mark, Camilo Vargas saving Eldor Shomurodov’s volley only for the ball to loop up and Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home from almost on the line.
The lead lasted just five minutes, Yusupov failing to keep out Diaz’s shot as Colombia broke in numbers after regaining possession in midfield.
Substitute Campaz finally ended any doubt as he headed in Cucho Hernandez’s cross nine minutes into stoppage time, although teenager Bekhruz Karimov still had time to crash a shot against the crossbar.
Portugal begin with a draw
16:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Portugal were left disappointed as they opened their World Cup 2026 account with a 1-1 draw against the DR Congo.
Roberto Martinez’s side were hoping to start their campaign with a statement victory that would have set the tone of Group K, but instead, Cristiano Ronaldo and co. were pegged back by Yoane Wissa’s equaliser in first-half stoppage time to cancel out Joao Neves’ early opener.
Today's settings
16:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The Houston Stadium, aka the NRG Stadium, has staged three World Cup games so far, including Portugal's 1-1 draw against DR Congo last week.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan latest match odds
16:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Portugal to win: 1/8
Uzbekistan to win: 14/1
Draw: 11/2
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
15:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations at any level.
Score prediction
15:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
With such a strong midfield, Portugal should be able to dictate play against almost any team in the tournament, but against DR Congo their only shot on target was Joao Neves’ early header - clearly it’s not leading into enough attacks.
Will that change with this game?
Uzbekistan lack pedigree at this level, and a single goal could decide it.
Portugal to win, 1-0.
Uzbekistan team news: Ashurmatov doubtful
15:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Uzbekistan's one major concern is defender Rustam Ashurmatov after he picked up a knock against Colombia.
Ashurmatov started in Uzbekistan’s back three alongside Abdukodir Khusanov and Abdulla Abdullaev in the opening game and faces a late fitness test to determine if he can feature.
Khojiakbar Alijonov and Farrukh Sayfiev are on standby to fill any void.
Portugal team news: Dias back in full training
15:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Ruben Dias has returned to full training after missing the DR Congo draw with a minor knock.
The Manchester City defender is expected to partner Renato Veiga, formerly of Chelsea, at centre-back, which means Tomas Araujo makes way.
Francisco Conceicao and Rafael Leao are pushing to start out wide, with Bernardo Silva and Pedro Neto both at risk of dropping out of the starting XI.
How to watch
15:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1. Coverage starts at 5pm BST ahead of kick-off at 6pm.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via ITVX app or the channel’s website.
Live coverage: You can follow all the action right here via Standard Sport’s live blog!
Portugal vs Uzbekistan LIVE
15:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Portugal vs Uzbekistan!
It is the second group games for both nations and the stakes are high. Portugal flattered to deceive in their draw with DR Congo and need a performance, more so than a result, to send a reminder of their tournament credentials.
Uzbekistan, meanwhile, were beaten by Colombia in their first-ever World Cup game and are at risk of an early elimination.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 6pm BST from the Houston Stadium. Stick with us!
.jpg)
