Portugal Predicted Lineup and Team News vs Uzbekistan on June 23

Last Word on Football brings you the Portugal predicted lineup and latest team news ahead of their 2026 World Cup game against Uzbekistan in Houston.

Roberto Martinez’s team came to the tournament full of confidence, with arguably the best midfield in the competition. It was an uninspiring start for the Portuguese, as they laboured to a 1-1 draw against DR Congo.

Uzbekistan are a huge underdog against Portugal, having lost their opening game of the 2026 World Cup, 3-1 against Colombia.

Portugal Predicted Lineup and Latest Team News vs Uzbekistan

Date: Tuesday, 23rd June 2026.
Venue: Houston Stadium.
Kick-off: 1800 BST, 15:00 ET, and 10:00 PT.
Last meeting: (This will be their first meeting).
Referee: Jalal Jayed.
Current odds: Portugal 1/9, Uzbekistan 18/1, Draw 8/1 (Sky Bet)

Portugal Team News

Apart from Tomas Araujo, every Portuguese player is available, including Ruben Dias, who missed the opening fixture.

Ahead of this must-win game for both teams, Martinez spoke to the press about the focus in the camp and on the criticism they have received:

“We are strong and focused,” Martinez said. “And our group is even more united than before. It is a process. Tension is not part of our team.

“It’s normal to have criticism after a poor result. Sometimes it’s unfair or negative, but it is not part of how we prepare.”

Discussing the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo, Martinez said:

“We are a team ‌that wants the ball,” Martinez said. “We want to defend and react quickly. We want to counterattack quickly. You need a player that opens up space with movement, and Cristiano is one of the best to do that.

“He is a player who has been defending and playing for his country for a long time, and he wants to keep improving for the team. He is really a role model for the team.”

Revealing the confidence in his team, he said:

“The feeling of disappointment is one we all have as a team,” Martinez said. “Tomorrow I do feel like we will have a team that will be ready to perform for 90 minutes at the level we have,” added the Portuguese manager.