2026 World Cup: Portugal meets Uzbekistan, England faces Ghana, Croatia plays Panama
Uzbekistan’s second match at its first World Cup is set to be one of the main attractions of the tournament’s 13th matchday for football fans across the post-Soviet states. The day’s schedule also includes Colombia against DR Congo, England against Ghana and Croatia against Panama.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Group K, Round 2, June 23, Houston, NRG Stadium
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan (first meeting)
Coaches: Roberto Martínez (Spain) / Fabio Cannavaro (Italy)
Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
Prominent Uzbek sports photojournalist Anvar Ilyasov has shared a series of memorable photos from 2009, when Cristiano Ronaldo held a workshop for young footballers in Tashkent. Among the youngsters in the pictures are Rustam Ashurmatov and Dostonbek Khamdamov, who are set to face the 41-year-old superstar in Houston.
It wouldn’t be difficult to spot current national team players in a 17-year-old photo. The interesting question is whether they will get a chance to remind Ronaldo who they are — both literally and figuratively.
Portugal, however, is not solely reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo. Roberto Martínez’s squad boasts quality across the pitch, with players such as Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes among its leading figures. Portugal, however, opened its World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo.
Uzbekistan is set to face an opponent likely looking to correct its mistakes after an opening draw. At the same time, the Central Asian side itself has relatively few obvious weaknesses within a solid squad, although a clear tactical identity has yet to fully emerge. The defeat by Colombia in the opening match may be seen as raising questions about Fabio Cannavaro’s approach.
Uzbekistan still has a chance of reaching the knockout stage. A draw with Portugal and a win over DR Congo would be enough to keep qualification hopes in play. However, the task is difficult, and even a win over DR Congo alone may not be sufficient.
In the group’s other match, Colombia could secure a place in the knockout stage ahead of schedule.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Group K, Round 2, June 23, Guadalajara, Estadio Akron
Colombia vs. DR Congo (first meeting)
Coaches: Néstor Lorenzo (Argentina) / Sébastien Desabre (France)
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
In Group L’s second round, top sides and underdogs meet. England can secure a place in the knockout stage and finish first in the group with a win over Croatia, following the path already taken by Mexico, the U.S., Germany and Argentina. However, this depends on Panama failing to beat Croatia.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Group L, Round 2, June 23, Foxborough, Gillette Stadium
England vs. Ghana W0 D1 L0 (1-1)
Coaches: Thomas Tuchel (Germany) / Carlos Queiroz (Portugal)
Referee: Saíd Martínez (Honduras)
After the defeat to England, Croatia is under pressure heading into its match against Panama. Despite the loss, it produced a respectable performance. Zlatko Dalić’s side now faces a must-win situation. However, Panama is also under pressure and cannot afford defeat, making it a potentially dangerous opponent.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Group L, Round 2, June 23, Toronto, BMO Field
Panama vs. Croatia (first meeting)
Coaches: Thomas Christiansen (Spain) / Zlatko Dalić
Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
The 23rd FIFA World Cup runs until July 19. For the first time, it is being held across three countries — the U.S., Canada and Mexico — and features 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. After the group stage, 32 teams advance to the knockout phase: the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams. The knockout stage starts with the round of 32.
