Group K of the 2026 World Cup would feature European giants Portugal, South American powerhouse Colombia, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan.
While group K of the 2026 World Cup may not attract as much attention as other groups, it is one to keep an eye on. The potential match-up of Portugal and Colombia could provide a spark that the world doesn’t know it needs.
Group K has a few powerhouses and clear favourites to make it out of the group. Who are these favourites?
Portugal
Portugal come into the World Cup as favourites to win Group K and as current holders of the UEFA Nations League. In the Nations League final, where they beat Spain, arguably the best national team in Europe at the moment, Portugal showed that they can compete with anybody at the highest level.
Portugal have a strong squad that none of their opponents in group G can boast of. Portugal are led by the inevitable Ronaldo, who, despite being over 40 years old, is still delivering goals in crucial moments.
The team is complemented by the Champions League-winning midfield duo of Vitinha and Neves, while Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, and Trincao are all in fine form. With a star-studded team and managed by Roberto Martinez, who oversaw a smooth qualifying campaign, Portugal are favourites to finish top of the group stage.
Colombia
Colombia are heavy favorites to finish second in the group. The squad looks built for tournaments with stars like James Rodriguez boasting an incredible record in the 2014 World Cup, while Jhon Arias made a name for himself at the FIFA Club World Cup.
The talent in the team is undeniable. Luis Diaz had an incredible club season with Bayern Munich, while Sporting’s Luis Suarez and Galatasaray’s Yaser Asprilla are reliable options to switch up the attack.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan will appear at the World Cup for the first time in their history, and it makes them immediate underdogs in this group.
Led by the legendary Fabio Cannavaro from the sidelines, Uzbekistan are known for their discipline and compactness, and set-piece philosophy. They are known for taking their chances, and if they can take those chances against DR Congo, which looks like the easiest game for them to win, they could finish third in the group.
Their most recognizable player is Manchester City’s Khusanov, and he will be expected to marshal the defence at the World Cup.
DR Congo
DR Congo took the hardest route to the World Cup in Group K. They couldn’t make the regular CAF qualifiers, so they played in the CAF playoffs, where they beat Nigeria to make it to the international qualifiers, where they beat Jamaica to seal their spot at the World Cup.
DR Congo have the potential to cause some upsets to the physical nature of their football. Their pace, physicality and swiftness on counterattacks from players like Wissa and Bakambu will cause problems for possession-based teams.
Although they have a good structure and defensive shape, they aren’t expected to pose too much of a threat to opposition teams and hence, they could finish last.
