Portugal vs Uzbekistan prediction: Will Cristiano Ronaldo get off the mark at World Cup?

Cristiano Ronaldo has watched on as Lionel Messi took his tally to five goals at the 2026 World Cup and broke the tournament’s overall scoring record.

He has also watched Kylian Mbappe net four times for France, Erling Haaland the same number for Norway, and a host of other attacking players get off and running at a World Cup so far full of goals.

But Ronaldo, after a frustrating opening game against DR Congo, has yet to score, and all eyes will be on him as Portugal face World Cup debutants Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

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Portugal vs Uzbekistan odds from BOYLE SPORTS

• Portugal WIN - 1/7
• Draw - 7/1
• Uzbekistan WIN - 18/1

Portugal vs Uzbekistan prediction

Portugal will play Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium (Image credit: Getty Images)

The match kicks off at 12pm US time (6pm UK time) at Houston Stadium.

Portugal will be out to get their first win of the tournament after they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo last time out.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, are aiming to produce a shock result having lost their opening match to Colombia, who currently top Group K.

A win here for Portugal will put them in a strong position to qualify in one of the top two places, before a tricky final group match against Colombia.

It remains to be seen if Roberto Martinez will make changes to his side following a somewhat impotent performance against DR Congo.

Roberto Martinez is under pressure to succeed with Portugal (Image credit: Getty Images)

The big talking point, as ever, is Ronaldo, who at 41 appears to be a dwindling force at the highest level, having failed to score in his last 10 appearances at major competitions.

Dropping him seems out of the question for various reasons, but there will be serious questions asked if Martinez cannot get the best out of a team full of creative talent, including Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha and Joao Neves providing control.

Uzbekistan were combative in their defeat to Colombia but not much is expected of the newcomers in a very challenging group.

If they are to keep Portugal at bay in Houston, they will need a strong performance from their key player, Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

But this should, all things considered, be Portugal’s first victory of the World Cup.

Score prediction: Portugal 3-0 Uzbekistan

How to watch Portugal vs Uzbekistan

You can watch Portugal vs Uzbekistan in Group K of World Cup 2026 for free.

The match will be broadcast live on ITV1 in the UK, FOX in the United States and SBS in Australia.

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