ESPN analyzed the chances of Group K (Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the playoff winner) after the 2026 World Cup draw and announced the group favorites and outsiders. The analysis is mainly focused on Uzbekistan's outsider status and Cristiano Ronaldo's recent World Cup.
A breath of Portuguese relief
According to ESPN, the Portuguese team was briefly worried during Colombia's exit from Pot 2, as this could make the group one of the tournament's toughest. However, after Uzbekistan dropped from basket 3 and the winner of the FIFA playoffs from basket 4, Portugal's morale was significantly lifted.
- Uzbekistan's status: Under Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan is considered a clear outsider in matches against Portugal and Colombia.
- Uncertainty factor: The inclusion of a playoff team makes the group unclear. Because playing against a strong team like DR Congo presents fundamentally different challenges than playing against New Caledonia.
Favorites and decisive challenge
Nevertheless, there can be no excuses for Portugal or Colombia. Both teams have world-class stars - players like Bruno Fernandes in Portugal and Luis Diaz in Colombia. They are the main candidates who should easily leave the group.
- The best match of the group: Portugal - Colombia. If everything goes as expected, this very match will decide the fate of the first place in the group.
- Climate factor: This meeting serves as a preliminary test for summer climatic conditions as well. According to the analysis, weather conditions may be more favorable for South American teams (Colombia) than for Europe.
Ronaldo's final flight
The group receives the most attention, of course, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo.
"There is practically no doubt - this will be Ronaldo's last World Cup," the article states.
The only prize he hasn't won in his career is this competition. Despite being close to 40 years old, he continues to score and is close to 1,000 goals. Roberto remains Martinez's main central striker. FIFA reduced his penalty for the red card he received in the qualifier against Ireland, creating conditions for him to play in the first match of the summer.
Final assumption: ESPN predicted the final sequence of the group as follows:
1. Portugal
2. Colombia
3. Playoff Winner
4. Uzbekistan
"Another result will be a big surprise," the publication concludes.
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