Portugal at FIFA World Cup 2026 — Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. learn opponents in the group stage

Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, got to know their group stage opponents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the draw, which took place on Friday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.

The Selecao secured direct qualification for the World Cup with a 9-1 win over Armenia in the final qualifying round and will play their ninth World Cup. The record goalscorer, Ronaldo, has competed in five World Cups, and the 2026 edition could be the 40-year-old’s last dance in the quadrennial showpiece.

Portugal has been placed in group K at next year’s World Cup.

Who are Portugal’s opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

• Intercontinental play-off winner: Congo DR/Jamaica/New Caledonia

• Uzbekistan

• Colombia

The World Cup, which started in 1930 as an invitation-only tournament, has grown from just 13 to 32 teams, becoming the biggest competition in international football. Next year’s World Cup will have a larger roster – 48 teams – making it the largest iteration of the tournament.

So far, 42 teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the remaining six places, two countries will qualify via inter-confederation play-offs, while the remaining four will be winners of the European qualifying play-offs.

The increased number of teams also introduces an extra round. After 48 teams have been divided into 12 groups of four teams each, the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will enter the Round of 32.

Round of 32 matches are single-leg knockouts, involving 90 minutes of regular play, followed by 30 minutes of extra time if the result is not known. If the match is still undecided after 120 minutes plus injury time, the winner will be determined by penalty kicks.

Published on December 6, 2025