Portugal open their tournament against DR Congo. Colombia brings incredible South American flair and depth. Portugal and Colombia have the history and edge to qualify
European powerhouses Portugal and South American giants Colombia are favorites, facing an emerging Uzbekistan and African hopefuls DR Congo.
Portugal will be competing at their ninth FIFA World Cup, and their best finish was a third-place medal in 1966. The European nation was present at the last tournament in Qatar.
DR Congo will be competing at their second World Cup, returning under their current name for the first time in 52 years since they competed as Zaire in 1974, where they exited in the group stage.
Uzbekistan will be competing in their very first World Cup, making a historic tournament debut for Central Asia.
Colombia will be playing at their seventh FIFA World Cup, bouncing back to the global stage after missing out on Qatar 2022. Their best run at the tournament was a spectacular quarter-final finish in 2014.
The favorites to finish top two in this group are Portugal and Colombia, while Uzbekistan may qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Groups A to L feature a mix of traditional heavyweights, historic rivalries, and four tournament debutants. Under the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers will advance to the Round of 32.