World Cup 2026 Group K Preview: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo
Group K pairs Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal with Colombia, debutants Uzbekistan, and a returning DR Congo, playing across Houston, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Miami, and Atlanta from June 17–27, 2026. Full fan travel guide and eSIM tips.
Published June 10, 2026·5 min read
Summary
Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup features Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo, with matches in Houston, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Miami, and Atlanta from June 17–27, 2026. Portugal arrive as FIFA's sixth-ranked side with Cristiano Ronaldo at a record sixth World Cup; Uzbekistan make their debut, and DR Congo return for the first time since 1974. Here's the full fan plan — fixtures, host cities, and the eSIM that covers every stop across the US–Mexico border.
Group K teams at a glance
According to FIFA's November 2025 rankings, Portugal were the Pot 1 side in the group at world No. 6, chasing a first title with Cristiano Ronaldo set for his sixth World Cup, a tournament record. Colombia, ranked 13th, return as 2014 quarterfinalists. Uzbekistan, ranked 50th, reach their first-ever World Cup after finishing runner-up in their AFC qualifying group. DR Congo, ranked 56th, won the inter-confederation playoff to reach their first finals since 1974, when they played as Zaire.
Group K match schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 17 | Portugal vs DR Congo | NRG Stadium | Houston, USA |
| June 17 | Uzbekistan vs Colombia | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City, Mexico |
| June 23 | Portugal vs Uzbekistan | NRG Stadium | Houston, USA |
| June 23 | Colombia vs DR Congo | Estadio Akron | Guadalajara, Mexico |
| June 27 | Colombia vs Portugal | Hard Rock Stadium | Miami, USA |
| June 27 | DR Congo vs Uzbekistan | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, USA |
Fixtures and venues are confirmed via the Sky Sports Group K guide and FIFA's official standings page. Group K is unusual in splitting evenly between the USA and Mexico: matchday one and two each stage one game in Mexico, while the final round on June 27 is entirely in the USA (Miami and Atlanta).
Team-by-team fan guides
We've written a dedicated travel guide for every Group K nation: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo. For host-city logistics, see our Houston getting-there guide, the Mexico City transit guide, and the Miami stadium guide.
eSIM vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi for Group K fans
Group K is one of the groups that crosses an international border mid-tournament — between the USA and Mexico for the Mexico City and Guadalajara fixtures. A single North America eSIM covers both countries, so you keep the same number and data plan from Houston to Mexico City without buying a Mexican SIM on arrival.
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low (US$3–25) | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High ($10–15/day) | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
FAQ
QWhich teams are in World Cup 2026 Group K?
AGroup K features Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo. Portugal enter as FIFA's sixth-ranked side with Cristiano Ronaldo at a record sixth World Cup; Uzbekistan make their tournament debut, and DR Congo return for the first time since 1974. Portugal headline the group from Pot 1; Uzbekistan are the first-time qualifiers.
QWhere does Group K play its matches?
AGroup K matches run across five venues in two countries: NRG Stadium (Houston), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) in the USA, plus Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) and Estadio Akron (Guadalajara) in Mexico, from June 17 to 27, 2026. The final round on June 27 is entirely in the USA.
QWho is favored to win Group K?
APortugal are favorites to top Group K as FIFA's sixth-ranked team, with Colombia — quarterfinalists in 2014 and ranked 13th — the second seed. Uzbekistan and DR Congo are the underdogs, but DR Congo's playoff form makes the group competitive.
QWhat eSIM do I need to follow Group K across host cities?
ABecause Group K spans the USA and Mexico, a single North America eSIM covers Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Mexico City, and Guadalajara without swapping SIMs at the border. Plans start around US$3 and install before you fly.
Bottom line
Group K mixes a heavyweight (Ronaldo's Portugal), a 2014 quarterfinalist (Colombia), a history-making debutant (Uzbekistan), and a 52-years-in-waiting returnee (DR Congo) across five cities and two countries. Whether you follow one team or chase the best matchups, a North America eSIMkeeps you mapped and connected from the Houston opener to the Miami and Atlanta finale — no border SIM swap required.
Sources: Wikipedia — 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K, Sky Sports — Group K Guide, FIFA — World Cup 2026 Standings.