World Cup guide: everything you need to know about Group K | OneFootball

The World Cup is now underway but with so many groups this year, Playmaker continues to introduce the 48 participating teams across 12 articles — one for each group in the competition. Find out more about each nation, including their likely starting XI and some of the key names to watch.

Portugal will face be the favourites for Group K, joined by the traditional Colombia, the strong DR Congo and debutants Uzbekistan.

Cristiano Ronaldo and co. arrive with greater international experience and more individual talent. However, the biggest threat is likely to come from the Colombian side, known for its competitiveness and intensity.

It is also important not to underestimate the African team, who have improved in recent years and stands out above all for its physical power. Finally, the Uzbek side, despite their inexperience at this level, are coached by a manager who knows what it takes to win this competition. All in all, excitement and unpredictability are guaranteed!

Portugal

Number of appearances: nine

Best performance: third place

Portuguese fans have previously had good reason to believe that Portugal could win the World Cup, thanks to excellent generations that even came close to glory. That feeling is back once again, as the current crop seems to have everything needed to compete at the highest level and even surpass those that came before.

As a result, expectations are extremely high and the players themselves are fuelling those hopes in their own comments. On top of that, Portugal arrive off the back of a Nations League triumph having overcome strong opponents: Germany away from home and Spain, the reigning European champions.

On the other hand, Portugal's most recent World Cup campaigns have ended in disappointment. Most recently, in 2022, the Navegadores were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Morocco. Before that, in 2018, they fell in the round of 16 to Uruguay, while in 2014 they did not get beyond the group stage. Even so, the past does not play on the pitch and all the ingredients for a strong campaign are there — they simply need to be put into practice between the lines.

The head coach - Roberto Martínez

He has not been a universally popular name among Portuguese fans. However, Roberto Martínez has already done something that almost nobody has managed for Portugal: won a trophy. The Spanish coach also brings plenty of experience from previous tournaments, particularly with Belgium, where he even reached the semi-finals in Russia.

The main man - Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes arrives at this World Cup with in fine form, especially thanks to his individual season at Manchester United. The midfielder broke the Premier League assists record and will certainly look to serve his teammates even more. Despite other major stars, the influence of the number 8 is undeniable, and Portugal's play will always have to go through his feet.

One to watch - João Neves

The young midfielder is set to play in his first World Cup. At just 21, the former Benfica player has become a key player for Luis Enrique at PSG, contributing not only to one of the French side's most successful periods. For that reason, and given the five full-backs included in the squad, the expectation is that João Neves will operate in central midfield, where he can make a bigger impact and help Portugal in their mission.

Other key players: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) and Diogo Costa (FC Porto)

Colombia

Number of appearances: seven

Best performance: quarter-finals

The Colombian national team is undoubtedly Portugal's main threat in Group K. As well as being traditionally strong side, the Cafeteros enjoyed an excellent qualifying campaign, finishing third with 28 points — seven wins, seven draws, and four defeats — behind only Argentina and Ecuador. They even managed to beat the reigning world champions along the way.

However, their best spell seems to have passed. After missing out on World Cup 2022, Colombia meant business and remained unbeaten for two years: their run of 28 consecutive matches without defeat ended in the Copa América final, where the Albiceleste lifted the trophy. 

Colombia against Portugal will be particularly interesting with a number of Colombian players have already moved to Portugal and thn gone on to build successful careers in Europe. That link is still very much alive, with Benfica's Richard Ríos and Sporting striker Luis Suárez included in the squad.

The head coach - Néstor Lorenzo

Néstor Lorenzo is currently Colombia's head coach. The 60-year-old Argentine took over in 2022 and has been the main driving force behind the team's rise in form in recent years. In total, he has recorded 29 wins in 54 matches. Before that, he spent two seasons at Peru's FBC Melgar, after several years as an assistant with Colombia, Tigres, Argentina, and Leganés.

The main man - Luis Díaz

Even with James Rodríguez in the mix, the Bayern München winger is the new face of the Cafeteros. At 29, the former Liverpool forward is coming off the best season of his career: 26 goals and 19 assists in 51 matches for the German club. On top of that, he combines superb technical quality with the ability to make the difference, backed by the fiery spirit of the Colombian fans. For that reason, a top-level Luis Díaz is expected.

One to watch - Andrés Gómez

Looking at the ages of the 26 selected players, it is clear this is a more seasoned and established squad. On the other hand, the young Andrés Gómez goes against that trend. The 23-year-old winger, known for his pace and flair, plays for Vasco in Brazil's top division. This season, he has four goals and as many key passes in 28 appearances. He is likely to be used as an impact option from the bench.

Other key players: James Rodríguez (Minnesota United), Juanfer Quintero (River Plate), Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace), Davinson Sánchez (Galatasaray), Richard Ríos (Benfica) and Luis Suárez (Sporting)

Uzbekistan

Number of appearances: one

Best performance: -

Uzbekistan are preparing to play in their first-ever World Cup! So their best result in history is already guaranteed, whatever happens. However, what is on the minds of the players and the people back home is the desire to show they deserve to be on football's biggest stage.

That rise has been visible in recent times both in results and in the development of Uzbek football. First, among the 26 players selected, three footballers already playing in European leagues stand out: Khusanov, Shomurodov and Fayzullaev. Then, the team won one of the FIFA Series tournaments, beating Venezuela.

More than just a historic appearance, Uzbekistan see this as an opportunity to confirm the sustained growth of their football, driven by clear investment in youth development and the emergence of an increasingly competitive generation. Even if they are seen as outsiders, the Asian side could leave a very positive impression in the tournament and prove they already have enough quality for this stage.

The head coach - Fabio Cannavaro

Uzbekistan's national team may be new to the competition but it will be led by someone who knows what it takes to win it. Cannavaro, the 52-year-old Italian coach, took charge after qualification was secured under Timur Kapadze. However, his coaching career has not matched his playing career, though the expectation is that the manager will make the difference despite the lack of experience.

The main man - Eldor Shomurodov

The 30-year-old centre-forward has been Uzbekistan's main hope in recent times. The captain has spent much of his career in Europe: FK Rostov, Genoa, Roma (with José Mourinho), Spezia, Cagliari and, currently, Başakşehir. For the White Wolves, he has scored 45 goals in 91 caps — an excellent record that will now be tested at the World Cup.

One to watch - Abdukodir Khusanov

The strongest name in this new Uzbek generation is Khusanov. The 22-year-old defender emerged in the 2023/24 season at Lens. The centre-back did not need many matches to show his talent and attract Manchester City's attention, with the Premier League club paying €40 million for his transfer. Physically strong and very quick, the youngster will be looking to prove he has the attributes to become a true defensive leader.

Other key players: Abbos Fayzullaev (Başakşehir), Umarali Rahkmonaliev (Sabah) and Igor Sergeev (Persepolis FC)

DR Congo

Number of appearances: two

Best performance: group stage

This is only the second time that DR Congo have played at a World Cup. To remember the first, we have to go back to 1974 when the nation was still known as Zaire. Since then, the progress on the pitch has been remarkable. For that reason, the Congolese side has the potential to become this group's wildcard.

That's because the squad has plenty of quality, with several players standing out for their physical presence and technical ability. Names such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Noah Sadiki, Yoane Wissa or Cédric Bakambu can make the difference at any moment.

However, life has not been easy in the African country. An Ebola outbreak forced the team to remain isolated in a "sanitary bubble" for 21 days to avoid any risk of contamination, according to the White House. Obviously, this had an impact on the Leopards' preparations, especially with all the procedures that had to be changed; nevertheless, the Congolese will want to show they have not reached this stage by accident.

The head coach - Sébastien Desabre

Sébastien Desabre has been in charge of DR Congo since 2022. The 49-year-old French coach led the team to an impressive record in 2025: 11 wins in 14 matches. Overall, he has 25 victories in 43 games. Although his career has been relatively low-profile so far, with spells in Africa and in the lower tiers of French football, the manager now has a major international showcase ahead of him and an excellent range of options.

The main man - Yoane Wissa

He does not arrive at this World Cup in top form, especially as his most recent season fell slightly short of expectations. Even so, caution is essential when the forward is loose on the pitch. Wissa, the 29-year-old striker who scored only three goals in 28 games for Newcastle, is deadly on the counter-attack.

One to watch - Noah Sadiki

Noah Sadiki is a 21-year-old central/defensive midfielder who settled in well in his first Premier League season. Signed by Sunderland in last summer's transfer window, the youngster established himself as a starter and key player from the outset. In addition to his Anderlecht academy background and Union St. Gilloise schooling, he stands out above all for his ability to build play and for his versatility. He will certainly be the one unlocking DR Congo's attacking game.

Other key players: Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley) and Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis)