Portugal vs Uzbekistan – Prediction, where to watch, kick-off time and line-ups 23-06

Portugal and Uzbekistan meet in the second round of the World Cup 2026 group stage. The match takes place this Tuesday, 23 June, at 6 PM (BST) at NRG Stadium in the United States.

The two nations come into this game in very different situations after the first round of matches. Portugal will be looking for their first win after an opening draw, while Uzbekistan need a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive. This Portugal vs. Uzbekistan prediction points to a tense affair.

Portugal vs. Uzbekistan - Head-to-head record

Portugal and Uzbekistan meet for the first time ever in an official international fixture during this World Cup 2026 group stage match. This historic encounter means both sides step into uncharted territory, as there are no previous results to draw upon for this game. The analysis must therefore rely on current form and tournament performance.

Portugal - Seeking First Tournament Win

Let’s take a closer look at Portugal’s current situation. We will highlight the team’s momentum and their latest displays ahead of this key World Cup clash.

Recent form

Portugal began their World Cup 2026 journey with a 1-1 draw against Congo DR, highlighting their need for a victory in the upcoming fixture. Their pre-tournament form was strong, with three wins in four 2026 friendlies, including successes over Nigeria and Chile. Portugal has demonstrated consistent resilience, suffering only two defeats in their last 21 international matches across all competitions.

This robust record indicates a team adept at securing results. The opening draw is considered a minor issue, not a significant worry, given their solid preparations. The team is determined to earn their first win and assert control in the group.

The squad combines youth and experience, with João Neves scoring in their initial match. With Tomas Arajuo having to miss the game, the defence might have some problems keeping the goal secure. However, key players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes are ready. This gives Portugal a clear advantage in their pursuit of vital points.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for Portugal

Costa; Mendes, Veiga, Dias, Cancelo; Vitinha, Neves, Fernandes ; Neto, Ronaldo, Silva.

Manager: Roberto Martínez.

Uzbekistan - Hoping to end losing run

Let’s now turn our attention to Uzbekistan. We will analyse their current form, recent results, and the key players who could make a difference.

Recent form

Uzbekistan enters this match on a difficult run, having lost their last three international fixtures. Their World Cup campaign began with a 3-1 defeat to Colombia, following friendly losses to the Netherlands and Canada. This recent form highlights a challenging period for the team.

Despite these recent setbacks, Uzbekistan’s overall record shows more balance. They have secured 11 wins and six draws against only four defeats in their last 21 matches across all competitions. This indicates a capable side, but their current momentum is a concern, requiring renewed resilience.

Key players like midfielder Abbos Fayzullayev, who scored against Colombia, will be vital. Attacker Eldor Shomurodov also played 93 minutes in their World Cup opener. Yet Masharipov won’t play this match, and Karimov is questionable, which may suggest some potential problems for the Uzbekistani.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for Uzbekistan

Yusupov; Abdullayev, Urozov, Nasrullaev, Khusanov, Alizhonov; Fayzullaev, Shukurov, Mozgovoy, Urunov; Shomurodov.

Manager: Fabio Cannavaro.

Portugal vs. Uzbekistan - Stats

• Portugal have emerged victorious in six of their last ten international fixtures.
• Uzbekistan have conceded in seven of their previous ten matches across all competitions.
• The Portuguese side has averaged 2.2 goals scored per game over their last ten outings.
• Uzbekistan have failed to find the back of the net in three of their last ten games.
• Portugal’s Pedro Neto has provided one assist in the tournament.
• Uzbekistan’s star attacker Eldor Shomurodov featured for 93 minutes in their first game.

Predictions for Portugal vs. Uzbekistan - Portugal to win the first half

Portugal are strong favourites, having lost just twice in their last 21 games, and need a win after an opening draw. Given Uzbekistan"s three consecutive defeats, a comfortable victory for the Portuguese side by at least a two-goal margin is a real possibility.

The European team"s attack, averaging 2.2 goals in their last ten matches, faces a defence that has conceded frequently. This suggests we could see the deadlock broken early, making a bet on over 0.5 goals in the first half an interesting option.

Considering Portugal"s superior quality and attacking threat against a struggling opponent, our main prediction is for them to take control from the start. We are backing Portugal to be leading the match at half-time.

Portugal x Uzbekistan
Tip	Tip	Best Odd
Asian Handicap	Portugal to win with a handicap of -1.5	1.63 at BetMGM
Over/Under	Over 0.5 goals in the first half	1.27 at BetMGM

The odds mentioned were collected at the time of writing this prediction and are subject to change. Always check the bookmaker"s site for up-to-date information.

Best markets to bet on Portugal vs. Uzbekistan

Looking for more angles on this fixture? Here are a couple of additional betting tips for the Portugal vs. Uzbekistan clash.

🔥 Double Chance & Total Goals: 12 & Over 2.5 - 0.00 at BetMGM

With Portugal"s strong attacking record and Uzbekistan"s recent defensive struggles, a high-scoring game is expected. A bet on either side to win with over 2.5 goals offers good value.

🔥 Asian Handicap: Portugal -1.75 - 1.78 at BetMGM

The bets on Portugal vs. Uzbekistan reflect the clear gap in quality between the two teams. Therefore, backing the favourites to win by at least a two-goal margin seems a solid choice.

Where to watch Portugal vs. Uzbekistan?

Here is where to watch Portugal vs. Uzbekistan:

• TV: ITV X (GBR), UTV (GBR), ITV 1 (GBR), STV (GBR)
• Streaming: BBC Radio 5 Live (GBR), STV Player (GBR)

Portugal vs. Uzbekistan - Match details

Check out the match details:

• Match: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
• Competition: World Cup 2026
• Date: 23/06/2026
• Kick-off: 6 PM (BST)
• Venue: NRG Stadium, United States
• Broadcast: UTV (GBR), STV (GBR), STV Player (GBR), BBC Radio 5 Live (GBR),ITV 1 (GBR), ITV X (GBR)

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