2026 World Cup: Group K preview, odds & predictions

Colombia

South American nation Colombia return for their seventh World Cup after missing Qatar in 2022. Their best ever finish was in 2014 when they made the quarter-finals, as James Rodriguez lit up the tournament in Brazil, winning the Golden Boot and Goal of the Tournament for his iconic volley against Uruguay. The now 34-year-old Rodriguez returns as captain in 2026 and leads a highly-talented squad that look like a potential dark horse contender.

Luis Diaz has been in sensational form for Bayern Munich this season and is a world-class difference maker, while Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz has emerged as one of the Premier League's best attacking full-backs. A player to watch whose profile could increase after the World Cup is Benfica defensive midfielder Richard Rios, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United.

Colombia are a real threat to make the latter stages and are sure to be backed by thousands of their passionate fans in North America. They were beaten finalists in the 2024 Copa America, losing to Argentina in extra-time, and had a good World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing third. At 40/1 to win the tournament they are an outsider, but none of the major contenders will want to draw Colombia in the knockout stages.

DR Congo

DR Congo secured their first World Cup finals spot in 52 years with a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the World Cup Play-Off. They will be hoping that they fare better in 2026 than in 1974, when they lost all three games without scoring a goal.

The Leopards made the last 16 of AFCON 2025, losing in the last minute of extra-time to Algeria, which was seen as an underachievement given the talent this DR Congo generation possesses. There are plenty of recognisable names among their World Cup squad, including Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa, Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki and West Ham right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

A first-ever World Cup win is surely the primary goal for DR Congo, but they will fancy their chances of progressing to the knockout stages given that eight third-placed teams will advance from the groups. DR Congo's odds of 4/6 to qualify reflect that, although they're outsiders to win Group K at 9/1.

Portugal

The headline act for Portugal still undoubtedly remains Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41-years-old surely is chasing his last shot at winning a World Cup. This may be his best chance as well, with Portuguese players littered across Europe's elite clubs. Portugal are currently sixth-favourites to win their first World Cup at odds of 10/1.

The key to Portugal's hopes could be their midfield, which features PSG's superb duo of Vitinha and Joao Neves, as well as Man United star Bruno Fernandes and Man City icon Bernardo Silva. Nuno Mendes is one of the world's best left-backs, although coach Roberto Martinez would have hoped for City's Ruben Dias to be playing more often.

Few countries have a more balanced squad than Portugal and this is the last chance for their golden generation to make the most of Ronaldo's all-time great talent. Martinez has his doubters, having also failed to capitalise on Belgium's golden generation, but the Spanish manager has thrown his weight behind his captain and will fancy his chances.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan are the first ever Central Asian country to qualify for a World Cup, a remarkable achievement considering that they played their first professional match in 1992. They are one of four World Cup debutants in 2026, alongside Cape Verde, Curacao and Jordan.

The White Wolves are managed by a familiar face in World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro. Their star man is Man City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who is the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League, with their attacking threat provided by talismanic captain Eldor Shomurodov. The Istanbul Basaksehir striker is his country's all-time top scorer with 43 goals, contributing five goals and five assists in their successful qualifying campaign.

This small landlocked country have already achieved success just by making it here, but Uzbekistan will not want to just make up the numbers. The White Wolves are a relatively unknown quantity but that could work in their favour, and Khusanov is one of the best young defenders in the world. They may be favourites to finish bottom of Group K at odds of 4/5, but at 15/8 to qualify they're not out of the question.

Portugal are the favourites to finish top of Group K at odds of 2/5, with qualification to the round of 32 seen as a near certainty at 1/100.

Their primary opposition will come in the form of Colombia, who are 5/2 to win Group K and 1/10 to qualify for the knockout stages.

DR Congo are next in the Group K betting at odds of 9/1 to win the group, and the African nation are still odds-on to advance to the next round at 4/6.

Rounding off the group are Uzbekistan, who are priced at 40/1 to win Group K and 15/8 to progress from the group.

You can also bet on who will finish bottom of Group K, with Uzbekistan seen as the most likely at odds of 4/5, narrowly ahead of DR Congo at 5/4.

Ladbrokes' 2026 World Cup betting guide provides all the tips you need to place calculated, well-informed wagers on Group K.

• Portugal vs DR Congo (Wednesday, 17 June - 18:00 BST)

• Uzbekistan vs Colombia (Thursday, 18 June - 03:00 BST)

• Portugal vs Uzbekistan (Tuesday, 23 June - 18:00 BST)

• Colombia vs DR Congo (Wednesday, 24 June - 03:00 BST)

• DR Congo vs Uzbekistan (Sunday, 28 June - 00:30 BST)

• Colombia vs Portugal (Sunday, 28 June - 00:30 BST)

You can also find the full 2026 World Cup fixture schedule here.

Predicted standings:

• 1) Portugal

• 2) Colombia

• 3) DR Congo

• 4) Uzbekistan

Portugal enter the 2026 World Cup with realistic ambitions of winning the whole thing, and although Colombia will be no pushovers, we expect the European heavyweights to top Group K ahead of the South American side in second place.

A third-place finish could well be enough to qualify, and it looks to be a toss-up between DR Congo and Uzbekistan. We're picking the CAF nation ahead of the World Cup debutants, with Uzbekistan finishing last in Group K.

For more group previews ahead of this summer's tournament, check out our 2026 World Cup content hub.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

View the latest World Cup 2026 odds.