Group K served up a statement win and a notable upset on matchday one. Colombia dug deep to beat debutants Uzbekistan 3-1, inspired by a brilliant Luis Díaz, while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo. Here is how the group stands and what comes next.
Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan: Díaz the Difference
Colombia had to work hard against a well-drilled Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca, but Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz proved the difference with an assist and a goal. After rattling the post around the half-hour mark, Díaz produced a gorgeous lofted through-ball just before the break for Daniel Muñoz to sweep home the opener.
Fabio Cannavaro's Uzbekistan took the initiative after the interval and levelled when Abbosbek Fayzullaev pounced on a loose ball, but Colombia regained control: a midfield turnover ended with Díaz firing past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov for 2-1. Uzbekistan pressed late without reward, and substitute Jaminton Campaz wrapped up a 3-1 win deep in stoppage time. Relive it on our Uzbekistan vs Colombia page.
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo: Debutants Hold the Seleção
Portugal could not have asked for a better start at NRG Stadium, João Neves heading them in front inside six minutes and pointing to the sky in tribute to his late former teammate Diogo Jota. But Roberto Martínez's side failed to build on it, dropping their tempo and inviting pressure. DR Congo made them pay just before half-time, Yoane Wissa rising unmarked to head home the equaliser.
This was Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth World Cup — matching the record Lionel Messi reached earlier in the tournament — and at 41 he is now the oldest outfield player to appear at the finals. He played the full 90 minutes but, despite a couple of half-chances created by substitute Francisco Conceição, could not find a goal. A point apiece left Portugal with work to do. See the full result on our Portugal vs DR Congo page.
How Group K Looks After Matchday 1
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 3 |
| 2 | Portugal | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | DR Congo | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Uzbekistan | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
Colombia lead the way after the only win of the round, while Portugal and DR Congo share second on a point each — a fine result for the African side and a frustrating one for the pre-group favourites. Uzbekistan are bottom but were far from disgraced on their World Cup debut.
What's Next in Group K
Colombia will look to consolidate top spot when they meet DR Congo in Colombia vs DR Congo, a game that could put one foot in the knockout rounds. Portugal, meanwhile, need a response against the debutants in Portugal vs Uzbekistan — a match Ronaldo and company will be desperate to win to get their campaign back on track.
Be There for the Drama
A Díaz masterclass and an early wobble for one of the favourites — Group K is shaping up nicely. Browse every available fixture on our World Cup 2026 tickets page and secure your seat before the biggest games sell out.