Portugal make three changes for Uzbekistan, with Ronaldo still starting

Portugal will face Uzbekistan in Houston with three lineup changes from their opener, but Cristiano Ronaldo remains in the starting XI.

Portugal will make three changes to their starting lineup against Uzbekistan in Houston, with Cristiano Ronaldo still leading the attack for Roberto Martínez’s side in their second Group K match of the World Cup, according to Varzesh3.

The reshuffle comes after Portugal opened its campaign with a draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving Martínez to adjust a team expected to push for qualification from the group. The most significant return is Rúben Dias, who is set to start in central defense after missing the first match through injury.

Dias, the Manchester City defender, is expected to play his first minutes of this World Cup. Portugal’s midfield remains unchanged, with João Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes all listed to start, but there are notable changes around them.

Tomás Araújo and Bernardo Silva have dropped out of the lineup, with Renato Veiga and João Félix coming in. Félix’s inclusion is the biggest attacking change: after not playing at all in the opener, he goes straight into the starting XI, while Bernardo begins on the bench.

Portugal’s reported XI is Diogo Costa, João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, João Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Uzbekistan also make a notable change, with Abdulvohid Nematov replacing former Foolad goalkeeper Yusupov, who started the first match. Varzesh3 reported that the decision followed Yusupov’s poor performance in the opener. Rustam Ashurmatov, identified in the report as an Esteghlal player, keeps his place in the starting side.

Uzbekistan’s reported XI is Abdulvohid Nematov, Behruzjon Karimov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Rustam Ashurmatov, Nasrulloev, Otabek Shukurov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Azizjon Ganiev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Eldor Shomurodov.

For Portugal, the lineup points to a more assertive response after the opening draw: defensive stability restored through Dias, a changed left side of the back line with Veiga, and Félix given an immediate chance to alter the attack alongside Ronaldo.