⚽ Portugal vs. Uzbekistan Prediction: World Cup Picks & Best Bets (June 23)
Portugal are the clear betting favorite (-526) to take all three points, and I'm backing them in my Portugal vs. Uzbekistan prediction. Uzbekistan played well for the most part in their World Cup debut, eventually falling 3-1 to Colombia.
While I expect Portugal to win, my best World Cup predictions don't foresee a lopsided score. I've also featured Cristiano Ronaldo, who was in the headlines all week after an ineffective outing against DR Congo.
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⚽ Portugal vs. Uzbekistan predictions: Pick to win & player prop bets
See all of our experts' soccer picks across the best World Cup betting sites.
| 💰 Best bets | 📊 Best odds | ⚖️ Wager (units) |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal ML & Under 3.5 goals | -111 via BetMGM | 1u -> 0.90u |
| Portugal Over 6.5 corners | -114 via BetMGM | 1u -> 0.88u |
| Cristiano Ronaldo anytime goal | -155 via DraftKings | 1u -> 0.65u |
⚽ Who will win Portugal vs. Uzbekistan?
Portugal should win, but I don't see them doing it comfortably. Roberto Martinez's squad looked disjointed for large portions of their opener against DR Congo, and while they have enough talent to overcome the 54th-ranked nation, don't expect a blowout.
Uzbekistan remained competitive against Colombia for the most part. It was 2-1 up until the final minute when Colombia bagged an insurance marker.
Score prediction: Portugal 2, Uzbekistan 0
💵 My best bet: Portugal ML and Under 3.5 goals (-111)
For all the talent Portugal has at their disposal, they don't have a ton of goals in the team, aside from the aging wonder. Ronaldo is clearly no longer able to impact proceedings the way he used to, and I don't see him dominating in this one.
However, Portugal will invariably be better than they were in the 1-1 draw with DR Congo in the opener, in which they mustered only 3 shots on target. Uzbekistan will likely play a low defensive block and try to frustrate their opponents. They will have some success in doing so, but will eventually concede.
🦶 Who will score in Portugal vs. Uzbekistan?
Follow all of our expert soccer betting analysis for the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo, F, (-170)
The headlines lambasted Ronaldo for his ineffectiveness in the opener against DR Congo. Some of the criticism was justified, as the 41-year-old struggled to influence the match like he once would have.
His teammates can also take some of the blame, as they didn't find him in open space nearly enough.
While the odds are too short for my liking, Ronaldo will be hellbent on proving everyone wrong. He led the team in goals during qualifying, bagging five in five matches. Uzbekistan's defence isn't the best, and he should find one decisive moment. Philip Wood's best Cristiano Ronaldo player props today actually back him to score two.
Best Portugal vs. Uzbekistan goal-scorer pick: Cristiano Ronaldo (-170 via FanDuel)
🥅 Will both teams score in Portugal vs. Uzbekistan?
Portugal will be significantly better in the second match, particularly in defense. And, given the lack of chances Portugal created against DR Congo, they will need to keep a clean sheet to provide an avenue for victory.
Uzbekistan failed to score in two of their previous four matches, and they rarely face an opponent of Portugal's pedigree.
Both teams to score (BTTS) pick: No (-200 via BetMGM)
💡 How to bet on both teams to score (BTTS)
Our soccer expert Jeremy Vernon broke down how to bet BTTS at the World Cup with a full history and statistical analysis of the popular prop betting market across more than 7,000 matches.
📊 Portugal vs. Uzbekistan odds
We're tracking the latest World Cup odds and favorites to win this year's tournament.
📺 How to watch Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
- Date: Tuesday, June 23
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium (Houston)
- TV: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
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