Portugal know they will need to deliver an improved performance in their next match, with a tough encounter against Uzbekistan ahead.

The Portuguese were held to a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opener, with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo looking pretty forlorn, while the Uzbeks were picked off 3-1 by Colombia.

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Quick Picks

Our pick: Portugal to win

Value bet: Over 2.5 Goals

Long shot: BTTS to hit

Portugal vs Uzbekistan prediction

It’s no real surprise that the moneyline odds for this encounter have Portugal as the heavy favourites to win, and as our Portugal vs Uzbekistan betting odds page shows, that view is firmly priced in.

However, they were big favourites to defeat the DR Congo, and we know what happened there…

Still, many of the same thoughts will be held about their chances in this one as in their previous encounter.

They certainly have the stars – aside from Ronaldo, there’s Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandez and Bernardo Silva, to name just three – the style, and the ability to get the job done.

The issue they face is arguably playing together, with it possible to argue that they were a little individualistic in their opener.

Uzbekistan put in a good account of themselves in their encounter against Colombia and were perhaps unlucky not to come away with something. They had their chances to score, but they couldn’t take them.

Portugal should still be able to handle whatever they throw at them and will be the likely winners…

If you fancy backing Portugal here, it's worth brushing up on how the various World Cup betting markets work first, and our guide on what a multi bet actually is handy if you're stacking this with other group fixtures.

Portugal vs Uzbekistan score prediction

Better value will be in the score/goal markets for this game, especially as it’s difficult to know what to quite expect or predict from these two nations following the opening game.

With our view that Portugal are the likely winners, we think they’ll need to be at their very best in attack. Ronaldo will certainly need to improve on hist first showing, having struggled against DR Congo to make a significant impact.

Qualification to the next stage of the tournament could be heavily determined by the result of this upcoming encounter, which is why we think there could be goals.

The ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ market has value, given Portugal’s need to win and the attacking qualities Uzbekistan have shown, despite only finding the net once.

We think the biggest value is in the BTTS hitting in this game. Uzbekistan scored in their opener, and Portugal’s defence can be exposed at times. It doesn’t look stable and has already shown vulnerabilities.

Our prediction is for Portugal to win 3-1…

Portugal vs Uzbekistan team news and line-ups

Predicted Portugal line-up (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa, João Cancelo, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, Gonçalo Ramos.

The side builds around heavy possession and interchange freely up front, with one of the deepest attacking benches at the tournament to call on.

Predicted Uzbekistan line-up 3-4-2-1: Utkir Yusupov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Jakhongir Urozov, Bekhruz Karimov, Akmal Mozgovoy, Otabek Shukurov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Oston Urunov, Eldor Shomurodov.

Fabio Cannavaro has the debutants drilled into a compact, defensively minded block built to soak pressure and break quickly.

Player markets to watch

Ronaldo will know the world will be watching him (as always), but even more so. After a disappointing performance against DR Congo and witnessing players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland open their accounts for the tournament, he won’t want to be left behind.

He’ll also have the responsibility of his nation on his shoulders, which could force him to prove himself once again that he should still be in the Portugal setup.

His value as an anytime goalscorer, despite him not finding the net in his last 10 tournament matches, with better value as the first goalscorer.

Bruno Fernandes to score or assist has value, as the Manchester United midfielder has consistently shown he can do plenty with the ball at his feet.

He didn’t have the best of games against the DR Congo, and like many of his team-mates, may use the one against Uzbekistan as a chance to showcase his abilities.

Portugal vs Uzbekistan Match Details

Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Kick-off: 3:00am AEST.

Location: NRG Stadium, Houston.

Where to watch: Sportsbet, SBS.

Where to Watch Portugal vs Uzbekistan

For the first time ever, Sportsbet is offering punters the chance to stream World Cup matches live*.

To watch Sportsbet's live streams of the World Cup, you must:

- Be 18+.

- Have a Sportsbet account.

- Be logged into your Sportsbet account.

- Have a positive balance OR have placed a bet in the last 24 hours.

World Cup streaming is available both in-app and on-web. As long as you meet the above requirements, you'll be able to tune in on your computer, tablet or phone.

To access the stream for Portugal vs Uzbekistan simply find your way to the official betting page for this match. Or, if you have a bet on the game you can watch from your "My Bets" section.

Traditional World Cup broadcaster SBS is also showing every World Cup match, meaning you can also watch Portugal vs Uzbekistan on either SBS, SBS Viceland or SBS On Demand.

*18+ Available to Sportsbet customers only. Conditions apply – see sportsbet.com.au

*Odds are subject to change.