Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and the men's national soccer team participate in a World Cup training session Monday, June 22, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Photo | AP
Football

LIVE | FIFA World Cup 2026, Day 13: Portugal face Uzbekistan as Panama, Croatia face do-or-die clash

Portugal will look to get their World Cup campaign back on track against Uzbekistan in Group K, while Panama and Croatia face a must-win Group L clash with elimination looming for the losing side.

TNIE online desk

The second round of Group K and Group L fixtures continues on Tuesday, with Portugal taking on Uzbekistan and Colombia facing DR Congo in Group K, while England meet Ghana and Panama clash with Croatia in Group L.

Below are Day 13's fixtures, with all times:

Portugal vs Uzbekistan 10:30 p.m.

England vs Ghana 1:30 a.m.

Panama vs Croatia 4:30 pa.m.

Colombia vs DR Congo 7:30 a.m.

Day 12 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup saw Lionel Messi strike twice to help Argentina defeat Austria 2-0 and further strengthen their hold on Group J. His first strike marked a record-breaking 17th World Cup goal, before he extended his all-time tournament tally to 18 goals.

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé scored twice on his 100th international appearance, taking his World Cup tally to 16 goals and closing the gap to just two behind Messi's record mark of 18.

Cristiano Ronaldo aiming to get on track after disappointing start

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland have taken their expected starring roles so far in the World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo is getting some unexpected criticism.

Portugal's 41-year-old star arrived in North America hoping to to make history by scoring in his sixth straight World Cup. He ended up frustrated after a forgettable opening performance in Portugal's surprising 1-1 draw against Congo, missing on a couple of good scoring chances in the second half.

Ronaldo and Portugal get a chance to get back on track against Uzbekistan Tuesday in Houston.

One of the pre-tournament favorites to win the World Cup, Portugal could use a win to keep pace in Group K following Colombia's opening win and Congo's tie in its first World Cup in 52 years.

Ronaldo 'a role model' says Portugal coach after slow World Cup start

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised  Cristiano Ronaldo as "a good example for all of us" but refused to confirm if the veteran captain would start his team's World Cup clash with Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

Portugal, considered outside favourites to win the tournament in North America, were held 1-1 by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opening game last week.

Asked about his veteran captain on the eve of their second group match, on Tuesday against Uzbekistan in Houston, Martinez said: "I think he's a player that he focuses so much, (he is) probably the biggest example of how to focus on the aspects that you can influence -- the way he recovers, the way he prepares, the way he trains.

"He's a good example for us, for all of us.

He added: "It is the sixth time he plays a World Cup, and he is a player who's been defending and playing for his country for a long time.

"So he really wants to keep on improving, to contribute to the team, and he's really a role model for our team."

But asked by reporters if Ronaldo will start against the Uzbeks, Martinez refused to say "because I haven't informed my players yet".

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