Joao Felix Starts as Portugal Seek First World Cup Win

Joao Felix starts for Portugal as they face Uzbekistan in the World Cup 2026. The match kicks off at 18.00 UK time.

What happened?

Portugal had a difficult start to the tournament, finishing 1-1 with Congo DR. Yoane Wissa cancelled out the early Joao Neves goal.

Why it matters for Joao Felix

Joao Felix's inclusion in the starting XI is a key decision by coach Roberto Martinez. Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao are on the bench.

What comes next?

Uzbekistan, led by coach Fabio Cannavaro, are seeking their first World Cup win. They lost 3-1 to Colombia in their opener.

The Portugal vs Uzbekistan line-ups are: Portugal: Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Pedro Neto, Ronaldo, Joao Felix. Uzbekistan: Nematov; Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Xamrobekov, Shukurov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullayev, Ganiev; Shomurodov.

Cristiano Ronaldo came in for criticism after the Congo DR match. But Martinez sticks with the legend in his starting XI.

The match is part of Group K in the World Cup 2026. It takes place at the Houston Stadium.

Uzbekistan are in their first ever World Cup. Their coach, Fabio Cannavaro, lifted the trophy as a player in 2006.

The third goal in Uzbekistan's 3-1 loss to Colombia was scored deep into stoppages. Eldor Shomurodov still wears the captain's armband for Uzbekistan.

Abdukodir Khusanov plays in the back three for Uzbekistan. There are several changes to the starting XI, including new goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.