Portugal vs Uzbekistan, FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Score. Cristiano Ronaldo is under pressure as Portugal seek their first World Cup victory

The performance against DR Congo raised several concerns. Despite boasting one of the strongest midfields in international football, Portugal struggled to create meaningful opportunities and managed just one shot on target throughout the competition. The result has increased the pressure ahead of a fixture many expected to be straightforward.

Much of the attention is naturally focused on Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old captain remains Portugal’s leading scorer with 147 goals in 229 appearances, but his recent form in major tournaments has become a talking point. Ronaldo has now gone 10 consecutive FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship appearances without finding the net, while contributing just one assist during that time.

His tyrannical display against DR Congo only intensified the debate. Ronaldo recorded 25 touches, failed to hit the target with any of his three shots and won just one duel. However, Portugal defender Rúben Dias dismissed concerns surrounding the veteran striker, insisting that the criticism aimed at Ronaldo is only about football and not something that affects the squad internally.

Uzbekistan arrived as underdogs but with real belief. After losing to Colombia in their opener, they knew that another loss would likely end their hopes of promotion. Veteran striker Eldor Shomurodov will lead the attack, while Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Premier League defender Abdukodir Khusanov provide quality at both ends of the pitch.

Dias’ health also remains a major talking point after he missed the opening match due to injury.

With qualification implications looming large and the pressure around their star players, Portugal know only victory will satisfy expectations as they look to revive their World Cup campaign against a determined Uzbekistan side.