Match Cards — H-Town Concierge

Jun 14, 2026 · Noon CT · Group E · NRG Stadium

🇩🇪 vs 🇨🇼

Germany vs Curaçao

Sunday · Move Before Noon Protocol · Depart 7:00 AM

🇩🇪

Germany

DFB · German Football Association

Julian Nagelsmann was appointed Germany head coach in September 2023 after Hansi Flick's dismissal following a poor UEFA Nations League start. He previously managed TSG Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, and Bayern Munich, earning a reputation as one of Europe's most tactically innovative coaches. Under Nagelsmann, Germany hosts Euro 2024 and reaches the quarter-finals, rebuilding confidence ahead of the 2026 cycle. His pressing-intensive 4-2-3-1 system prioritizes vertical play and positional versatility. At 38, he becomes one of the youngest coaches ever to lead Germany at a World Cup.

Probable Starting XI

Manuel NeuerGK

38, Bayern Munich. Germany's iconic goalkeeper and captain. World Cup winner 2014. Legendary shot-stopper who defines the sweeper-keeper role globally.

Joshua KimmichRB

29, Bayern Munich. Versatile and technically elite. World-class in reading the game. Key contributor to Germany's build-up and pressing structure.

Antonio RüdigerCB

33, Real Madrid. Physical, aggressive, and highly experienced. Champions League winner. Germany's defensive leader and set-piece threat.

Jonathan TahCB

29, Bayer Leverkusen. Commanding central defender. First Bundesliga title with Leverkusen 2024. Strong in the air and composed in possession.

David RaumLB

26, RB Leipzig. Dynamic left-back with exceptional attacking output. High assist numbers in Bundesliga. Key overlap runner for Germany.

Robert AndrichDM

29, Bayer Leverkusen. Tenacious defensive midfielder. Bundesliga champion 2024. Protects the back four and wins second balls.

Florian WirtzCM

21, Bayer Leverkusen. Arguably Germany's most exciting talent. Bundesliga Player of the Year 2024. Exceptional dribbling, vision, and final-third creativity.

Jamal MusialaCAM

22, Bayern Munich. Elusive dribbler, natural goalscorer. One of the most gifted young players in world football. Germany's creative heartbeat.

Leroy SanéRW

28, Bayern Munich. Pace and directness on the right. Champions League experience. Powerful dribbler who stretches defenses wide.

Kai HavertzLW

25, Arsenal. Champions League winner with Chelsea 2021. Versatile forward capable of playing across the front line. Consistent Premier League performer.

Niclas FüllkrugST

31, West Ham. Fan favorite and clinical finisher. Breakout Euro 2024. Physical target forward who brings energy and goals off the bench or as a starter.

Full Squad

Oliver BaumannGK

34, Hoffenheim. Backup goalkeeper. Reliable domestic performer with Bundesliga experience.

Marc-André ter StegenGK

32, Barcelona. World-class goalkeeper recovering from injury. Exceptional with feet and in 1v1s.

Benjamin HenrichsRB

27, RB Leipzig. Versatile right-back option. Good energy and crossing ability.

Nico SchlotterbeckCB

25, Borussia Dortmund. Left-footed central defender. Champions League finalist 2024. Strong passer from the back.

Waldemar AntonCB

27, Stuttgart. Dependable squad defender. Good in aerial duels.

Maximilian MittelstädtLB

27, Stuttgart. Left-back with solid defensive discipline and attacking support play.

Pascal GroßCM

33, Borussia Dortmund. Experienced, intelligent midfielder. Key at Euro 2024 under Nagelsmann.

Aleksandar PavlovicCM

20, Bayern Munich. Emerging defensive midfielder. Physical and composed beyond his years. First World Cup.

Angelo StillerCM

23, Stuttgart. Progressive passer with excellent positioning. Strong Bundesliga campaign earns World Cup call.

Deniz UndavFW

28, Stuttgart. Clinical finisher and tireless worker. Top scorer in Bundesliga 2024–25 season.

Thomas MüllerFW

36, Bayern Munich. World Cup winner 2014. Record World Cup goal contributions for Germany. Intelligent movement, iconic career. Possibly final World Cup.

Chris FührichRW

26, Stuttgart. Quick, direct right winger. Dynamic attacking option from the bench.

Tim KleindienstST

29, Borussia Mönchengladbach. Physical target striker. Proven Bundesliga goalscorer. Competes with Füllkrug for backup striker role.

Maximilian BeierFW

22, Borussia Dortmund. Pacey, versatile attacker. Rapid development earns World Cup inclusion. First World Cup.

Julian BrandtCM

28, Borussia Dortmund. Creative, technically gifted midfielder. Champions League finalist 2024. Key option in wider midfield roles.

🇨🇼

Curaçao

FFK · Curaçao Football Federation

Dick Advocaat is one of football's most experienced international managers, having coached over 15 national teams and clubs across Europe and Asia across a career spanning four decades. At 78, he brings elite-level experience that far exceeds Curaçao's position on the world stage. He has previously managed the Netherlands, Russia, South Korea, Belgium, and Serbia among others. His appointment is a major statement by the FFK — bringing Champions League and World Cup pedigree to a nation making their historic first World Cup appearance. His defensive organization and game management skills will be critical against elite European opposition.

Probable Starting XI

Eloy RoomGK

33, FC Cincinnati. MLS goalkeeper and Curaçao's first-choice. Experienced in CONCACAF competition. Calm and commanding in goal. First World Cup.

Cuco MartinaRB

35, veteran defender. Former Premier League player (Southampton, Everton). Experienced and composed at the back. This World Cup could be his final major tournament.

Rangelo JangaCB

31, Dutch football background. Physical and aggressive central defender. Aerial strength is key in set-piece situations. First World Cup.

Vurnon AnitaCB

36, veteran defensive midfielder turned centre-back. Former Newcastle United and Ajax player. Curaçao's most experienced outfield player. Likely final major tournament.

Juriën GaariLB

28, Dutch professional. Solid left-back with Curaçao for several years. Good defensive positioning. First World Cup.

Leandro BacunaCM

32, Millwall. One of Curaçao's most technically gifted players. Former Premier League (Aston Villa, Cardiff City). Midfielder with goals. Heart of the team.

Jordy ClasieDM

32, AZ Alkmaar. Combative defensive midfielder. Former Feyenoord and Southampton. Controls the tempo, breaks up play. First World Cup.

Juninho BacunaCAM

27, Middlesbrough. Dynamic attacking midfielder. One of Curaçao's main creative threats. Strong free-kick taker. First World Cup.

Charlison BenschopRW

32, Dutch football. Pacey right winger. Key in CONCACAF qualifying, several important goals. First World Cup.

Jarchinio AntoniaST

32, Dutch professional. Experienced striker and winger. Can play across the front three. Curaçao's most dangerous forward. First World Cup.

Quentin MárLW

26, Dutch football. Left-sided winger. Pace and directness against defensive lines. First World Cup for Curaçao's youngest starter.

Full Squad

Koki MachidaGK

25, Backup goalkeeper. Young, developing shot-stopper in Dutch football system. First World Cup.

Ethan DonatelloGK

22, Third goalkeeper. MLS development pathway. First World Cup.

Shaquille MartinaRB

29, defensive backup. Good energy in wide areas. First World Cup.

Rocky ResistanceCB

28, central defensive cover. Physical and direct. First World Cup.

Gianluca NijholtLB

24, left-back option. Progressed through Dutch youth system. First World Cup.

Raphael DaalCM

27, midfield cover with energy and work rate. First World Cup.

Chedric BazoerCM

25, technical midfielder. Dutch professional background. First World Cup.

Sheraldo BeckerFW

29, Real Sociedad. One of Curaçao's most talented forwards. La Liga experience. Pace and directness. Key impact substitute. First World Cup.

Genaro SnijdersFW

27, forward option. Dutch football professional. First World Cup.

Daishawn RedanST

24, former Chelsea academy. Striker with pace and technical ability. First World Cup.

Brandley KuwasFW

30, Dutch professional. Wide forward. First World Cup.

Ryan DonkCB

37, veteran defender. One of Curaçao's most capped players. Defensive cover and leadership.

Gilson TavaresCM

26, midfield option. Good positional awareness. First World Cup.

Elson HooiFW

27, forward. Experience in Dutch football. Squad depth. First World Cup.

Gregor BreinburgCM

29, composed midfielder. First World Cup.

Jun 17, 2026 · Noon CT · Group K · NRG Stadium

🇵🇹 vs 🇨🇩

Portugal vs DR Congo

Tuesday · Depart 7:00–7:30 AM · Dual-surge day

🇵🇹

Portugal

FPF · Portuguese Football Federation

Roberto Martínez took over Portugal in January 2023 following Fernando Santos's exit after the 2022 World Cup. The Spanish-born manager previously led Belgium to third place at the 2018 World Cup and managed Everton and Wigan Athletic in the Premier League, winning the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013. Martínez has overseen a smooth transition in the Portuguese squad while maintaining their attacking identity. He manages the delicate balance of building around Cristiano Ronaldo while developing younger stars like Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, and Vitinha as the long-term core.

Probable Starting XI

Diogo CostaGK

25, Porto. One of Europe's best young goalkeepers. Exceptional with feet and commanding in goal. Champions League experience. Third World Cup at young age.

João CanceloRB

30, Barcelona. Among the world's most attacking fullbacks. Exceptional dribbling and creativity going forward. World Cup 2022 participant.

Rúben DiasCB

27, Manchester City. Premier League champion multiple times. One of England's best defenders. Leaders and organiser. World Cup 2022 participant.

António SilvaCB

21, Benfica. Phenomenally composed young defender. Star of Portugal's 2022 World Cup run. Rapid development into a world-class centre-back.

Nuno MendesLB

22, Paris Saint-Germain. Dynamic left-back with exceptional attacking quality. One of the best in his position globally. World Cup 2022 participant.

Rúben NevesDM

27, Al-Hilal. Technically superb defensive midfielder. Long-range shooting ability. Composed under pressure. World Cup 2022 participant.

Bruno FernandesCM

29, Manchester United. Portugal's most influential midfielder. Elite creativity, goals, and assists output. Captain material. World Cup 2022 participant.

Bernardo SilvaCAM

29, Manchester City. One of the world's best players. Exceptional technical ability, work rate, and intelligence. Multiple Premier League titles. World Cup 2022 participant.

Rafael LeãoLW

25, AC Milan. Explosive pace and dribbling. Serie A top scorer. Portugal's most dangerous attacking threat. World Cup 2022 participant.

Cristiano RonaldoST

41, Al Nassr. All-time international top scorer. Five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Sixth World Cup. The defining figure of modern football. His presence elevates every Portugal match into a global event.

Pedro NetoRW

24, Chelsea. Pacy winger with direct running and creativity. Premier League experience. First World Cup.

Full Squad — remaining players

Rui PatrícioGK

36, veteran goalkeeper. World Cup 2022 starter. Experienced backup. Exceptional career with Sporting and Wolves.

José SáGK

31, Wolverhampton. Consistent Premier League goalkeeper. Third-choice cover.

Diogo DalotRB

25, Manchester United. Versatile fullback. Backup right-back option. World Cup 2022 participant.

Gonçalo InácioCB

23, Sporting CP. Young, progressive defender. Strong in possession. First World Cup.

José FonteCB

40, veteran defender. Euro 2016 champion. Senior leadership in the squad.

VitinhaCM

24, Paris Saint-Germain. Elite technical midfielder. One of Europe's most sought-after. Portugal's midfield future. World Cup 2022 participant.

João PalhinhaDM

28, Bayern Munich. Dominant defensive midfielder. Ball-winning machine. World Cup 2022 participant.

João FélixFW

26, Barcelona. Gifted attacker capable of playing across the front three. Inconsistent but brilliant when on form. World Cup 2022 participant.

Gonçalo RamosST

23, PSG. Hat-trick scorer at World Cup 2022. Direct backup to Ronaldo. Clinical finisher. Second World Cup.

Ricardo HortaFW

30, Braga. Reliable winger. Strong domestic record in Portugal. Squad depth for wider positions.

OtávioCM

29, Al-Nassr. Versatile midfielder. Covers multiple positions. World Cup 2022 participant.

Francisca NazárioFW

21, emerging attacking talent. First World Cup.

Daniel PodenceFW

28, versatile winger. Premier League experience. First World Cup.

Renato SanchesCM

27, Roma. Technically gifted, physically powerful. Comeback from injury. World Cup 2022 participant.

🇨🇩

DR Congo

FECOFA · Congolese Football Federation

Sébastien Desabre is a French coach with extensive experience working across Africa, having previously managed Uganda, Egypt, and several club sides on the continent. He was appointed DR Congo head coach in 2023 and guided the Leopards to their first World Cup qualification in the country's history — a monumental achievement for a football-rich nation. DR Congo has exceptional talent in European leagues, including Cédric Bakambu and Chancel Mbemba. Desabre's organizational and motivational skills have been key in unifying the talented but inconsistent squad.

Probable Starting XI

Joël KiassumbuaGK

34, Belenenses (Portugal). DR Congo's experienced first-choice goalkeeper. Solid shot-stopper with international experience. First World Cup.

Chancel MbembaCB

30, Marseille. DR Congo's defensive leader. Powerful, experienced. Former Newcastle United. Ligue 1 champion with Marseille. First World Cup.

Arthur MasuakuLB

30, Besiktas. Energetic left-back. Former West Ham. Dynamic in attack. First World Cup.

Samuel MoutoussamyDM

28, Nantes. Combative defensive midfielder. Ligue 1 professional. Key ball-winner. First World Cup.

Yannick BolasieRW

34, veteran winger. Former Everton and Crystal Palace. Directness and pace on the right. Experienced international. First World Cup at 34.

Cédric BakambuST

33, OM Marseille. DR Congo's most dangerous striker. Former Villarreal top scorer. Ligue 1 experience. The key attacking threat. First World Cup.

Dodi LukébakioLW

27, Sevilla. Pacy, direct winger. Bundesliga experience with Hertha BSC and Wolfsburg. One of DR Congo's most creative players. First World Cup.

Silas WissaFW

25, Brentford. Premier League winger with exceptional pace. Born in DR Congo, represents The Leopards. High-energy pressing forward. First World Cup.

Gaël KakutaCM

33, RC Lens. Former Chelsea talent. Technically gifted left-footed midfielder. Ligue 1 experience. First World Cup.

Théo BongondaRB

28, Belgian football professional. Right-back option with attacking quality. First World Cup.

Marcel TisserandCB

31, Trabzonspor. Experienced central defender. Physical and commanding. First World Cup.

Full Squad

Elia MeschackGK

26, backup goalkeeper. First World Cup.

Dénis Athanase AthanaseGK

24, third goalkeeper. Domestic league. First World Cup.

Muriel Baggio TshinyamaRB

27, fullback cover. First World Cup.

Dylan BatubinsikaCB

25, Saint-Étienne. Young central defender. Good in possession. First World Cup.

Christian LuyindamaCB

31, Galatasaray. Physical central defender. Super Lig experience. First World Cup.

Neeskens KebanoCM

32, Burnley. Creative midfielder. Championship experience. First World Cup.

Jordan BotakaFW

30, winger. Belgian professional. First World Cup.

Jonathan BolingiST

30, striker. Belgian professional. First World Cup.

Meschack EliaFW

26, Young Boys. Swiss league top scorer. Emerging forward. First World Cup.

Junior LemaCM

28, midfield option. First World Cup.

Prince OnianguéDM

33, defensive mid. Ligue 2 experience. Leadership in the squad. First World Cup.

Aimé MangaFW

25, forward. First World Cup.

Juvhel TsoumouFW

31, striker. First World Cup.

Fiston MayeleST

28, striker. First World Cup.

Jun 20, 2026 · Noon CT · Group F · NRG Stadium

🇳🇱 vs 🇸🇪

Netherlands vs Sweden

Saturday · MAXIMUM DUAL SURGE · Depart by 6:00 AM · No TMC bypass

🇳🇱

Netherlands

KNVB · Royal Dutch Football Association

Ronald Koeman returned as Netherlands head coach in 2023 after Louis van Gaal's retirement. He previously led the Dutch to the 2020 European Championship final (played 2021) before leaving for Barcelona. As a player he was a legendary sweeper-libero for Ajax and Barcelona. His second stint has maintained Netherlands' attacking identity while adding defensive solidity. With Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Cody Gakpo as cornerstones, this is one of the most talented Dutch squads in a decade. Orange Army fans famously travel in organized masses — expect the most visible fanbase at any Houston match.

Probable Starting XI

Bart VerbruggenGK

22, Brighton. Young, composed goalkeeper. Excellent with feet. Taking over from Remko Pasveer as first choice. First World Cup.

Denzel DumfriesRB

28, Inter Milan. Serie A champion. Physical, powerful right-back. World Cup 2022 standout performer. Exceptional going forward.

Virgil van DijkCB

33, Liverpool. One of the world's best defenders. Premier League champion. Captain and defensive leader. World Cup 2022 participant.

Stefan de VrijCB

32, Inter Milan. Experienced, cultured central defender. Serie A champion. World Cup 2022 participant.

Matthijs de LigtCB/LB

24, Manchester United. Former Ajax captain. Champions League finalist at 19. Versatile, ball-playing defender.

Frenkie de JongDM

27, Barcelona. One of the world's most technically gifted midfielders. Drive, vision, and technical excellence define his game. World Cup 2022 participant.

Tijjani ReijndersCM

26, AC Milan. Breakout Serie A star. Dynamic box-to-box midfielder. First World Cup.

Memphis DepayCAM

30, Atlético Madrid. Creative, incisive. Free-kick specialist. Netherlands' all-time top scorer. World Cup 2022 participant.

Cody GakpoLW

25, Liverpool. Three goals at World Cup 2022. Versatile, powerful forward. One of Europe's most dangerous attackers.

Donyell MalenRW

25, Borussia Dortmund. Pacey and direct right winger. Champions League finalist 2024. Clinical in front of goal.

Wout WeghorstST

31, Hoffenheim. Target striker. Famous quarter-final double at World Cup 2022 vs Argentina. Physical and aerial threat.

Full Squad

Remko PasveerGK

35, Ajax. Veteran backup. World Cup 2022 starter.

Mark FlekkenGK

30, Brentford. Premier League goalkeeper. Third choice.

Daley BlindLB

34, Girona. Veteran. Ajax legend. World Cup 2014 third place.

Nathan AkéCB

29, Manchester City. Champions League winner. Strong, versatile defender.

Micky van de VenCB

23, Tottenham. Electric pace, strong defensive instincts. First World Cup.

Jeremie FrimpongRB

23, Real Madrid. Explosive right-back. Champions League winner. First World Cup.

Teun KoopmeinersCM

26, Juventus. Goals and assists from midfield. Serie A experience. First World Cup.

Xavi SimonsCM

21, PSG. Supremely talented. Bundesliga brilliance on loan at Leipzig. World Cup 2022 participant.

Brian BrobbeyST

22, Ajax. Powerful young striker. First World Cup.

Noa LangFW

25, PSV. Creative, direct winger. First World Cup.

Ryan GravenberchCM

22, Liverpool. Elegant, physically imposing midfielder. Premier League. World Cup 2022 participant.

Quinten TimberCM

22, Arsenal. Versatile, intelligent. First World Cup.

Vincent JanssenST

29, striker backup. Eredivisie. First World Cup.

Georginio WijnaldumCM

33, veteran midfielder. Liverpool legend. World Cup 2022 participant. Comeback story.

Lutsharel GeertruidaRB

24, RB Leipzig. Versatile defender. First World Cup.

🇸🇪

Sweden

SvFF · Swedish Football Association

Graham Potter was appointed Sweden head coach in early 2024 following his departure from Chelsea. The English manager gained a reputation for intelligent, possession-based football during his time at Brighton, where he achieved successive Premier League top-10 finishes. His appointment is notable — Sweden choosing a foreign English coach signals ambition and a desire for fresh tactical thinking. Potter is known for flexible formations and developing younger players. He inherits a squad in transition following Zlatan Ibrahimović's retirement from international football, with Viktor Gyökeres now the clear attacking focal point.

Probable Starting XI

Robin OlsenGK

34, Aston Villa. Sweden's experienced goalkeeper. Premier League backup but international starter. Strong shot-stopper. World Cup 2018 participant.

Emil KrafthRB

29, Newcastle United. Physical right-back. Premier League experience. Good defensive solidity. World Cup 2018 participant.

Isak HienCB

25, Atalanta. Serie A champion 2023–24. Commanding central defender. Excellent aerial ability and composure. First World Cup.

Victor Nilsson LindelöfCB

30, Manchester United. Sweden's defensive leader. Premier League experience. Composed on the ball. World Cup 2018 participant.

Ludwig AugustinssonLB

30, Bayer Leverkusen. Bundesliga champion 2024. Left-back with excellent delivery. World Cup 2018 participant.

Albin EkdalDM

34, veteran defensive midfielder. Sweden's midfield anchor. Experienced in Serie A. World Cup 2018 participant.

Mattias SvanbergCM

27, Wolfsburg. Energetic box-to-box midfielder. Bundesliga regular. First World Cup.

Dejan KulusevskiCAM

24, Tottenham. Dynamic, creative attacker. Key Premier League performer. One of Sweden's most gifted players. First World Cup.

Samuel ChukwuezeRW

25, AC Milan. Born in Nigeria, represents Sweden. Direct, pacey winger. Serie A experience. First World Cup.

Anthony ElangaLW

22, Nottingham Forest. Explosive winger. Premier League performer. Quick and direct. First World Cup.

Viktor GyökeresST

26, Sporting CP. One of the world's most in-form strikers. 43 goals in 2023–24 season. Sweden's new talisman replacing Ibrahimović as the focal point. First World Cup.

Full Squad

Karl-Johan JohnssonGK

32, backup goalkeeper. First World Cup.

Oscar LinnérGK

25, third goalkeeper. First World Cup.

Mikael LustigRB

37, veteran right-back. Possibly final tournament. World Cup 2018 participant.

Carl StarfeltCB

29, Celtic. Experienced defender. Scottish league champion. First World Cup.

Filip HelanderCB

31, Rangers. Solid central defender. First World Cup.

Alexander IsakST

24, Newcastle United. Premier League top scorer threat. Exceptional ability — competes with Gyökeres for starting spot. First World Cup.

Emil ForsbergCM

32, RB Leipzig. Technical, creative midfielder. World Cup 2018 standout. First World Cup 2026.

Jens CajusteCM

24, Napoli. Physical, energetic midfielder. Serie A experience. First World Cup.

Pontus JanssonCB

33, Brentford. Captain, aggressive leader. Premier League veteran. World Cup 2018 participant.

Jordan LarssonFW

26, son of Henrik. Forward. First World Cup.

Patrik WalemarkFW

23, Club Brugge. Young forward. First World Cup.

Jesper KarlssonFW

25, AZ Alkmaar. Eredivisie performer. First World Cup.

Williot SwedbergFW

20, Celtic. Young, emerging talent. First World Cup.

Marcus DanielsonCB

32, defensive cover. First World Cup.

Viktor ClaessonFW

32, winger. Eredivisie. First World Cup.

Jun 23, 2026 · Noon CT · Group K · NRG Stadium

🇵🇹 vs 🇺🇿

Portugal vs Uzbekistan

Monday · Depart 7:00 AM · TMC bypass available (weekday)

Portugal lineup: see Jun 17 match card above — same squad, same probable XI.

🇺🇿

Uzbekistan

UFF · Uzbekistan Football Federation

Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 World Cup-winning captain for Italy and Ballon d'Or winner, was appointed Uzbekistan head coach in 2023. It was a high-profile appointment — one of football's greatest ever defenders taking charge of a Central Asian nation making its World Cup debut. Cannavaro previously managed Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, gaining experience in Asian football culture. His defensive organization and understanding of high-pressure tournaments will be crucial for a squad that will face elite European opposition in Houston. He faces the challenge of integrating talented individual players into a cohesive system capable of competing on the world stage for the first time.

Probable Starting XI

Eldorbek SuyunovGK

27, FC Pakhtakor. Uzbekistan's established first-choice goalkeeper. Strong domestic record. First World Cup.

Shamsiddin KarimovRB

26, Russian Premier League experience. Right-back with energy and discipline. First World Cup.

Sanjar TursunovCB

29, central defender. Physical and commanding. Uzbekistan's defensive leader. First World Cup.

Azizbek TurgunboevCB

28, Russian professional. Composed ball-playing defender. First World Cup.

Dostonbek KhamdamovLB

25, Pakhtakor. Left-back with attacking intent. First World Cup.

Jaloliddin MasharipovDM

31, experienced defensive midfielder. Uzbekistan's midfield organizer. Russian league experience. First World Cup.

Odil AhmedovCM

36, Uzbekistan's veteran captain. Former Shanghai SIPG. Has played in Chinese Super League and Russia. Likely final major tournament.

Otabek ShukurovCAM

26, technical playmaker. Uzbekistan's most creative midfielder. First World Cup.

Khojimat ErkinovRW

25, pacy right winger. First World Cup.

Eldor ShomurodovST

29, Roma. Serie A striker. Uzbekistan's most prolific international scorer and greatest-ever international career. Target man with hold-up play. First World Cup.

Abbosbek FayzullaevLW

21, CSKA Moscow. One of Uzbekistan's youngest stars. Dynamic left winger with pace and creativity. First World Cup.

Full Squad

12–26

Full squad

Uzbekistan travel to their first-ever World Cup with a squad built almost entirely of players from the Russian Premier League and domestic FC Pakhtakor. Squad depth is being developed. All 26 players are making their first World Cup appearance — a historic milestone for Uzbek football.

Jun 26, 2026 · 7 PM CT · Group H · NRG Stadium

🇨🇻 vs 🇸🇦

Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia

Thursday · ONLY evening match · Danger window 4–6 PM · Best post-match exit of tournament

🇨🇻

Cabo Verde

FCF · Cabo Verde Football Federation

Pedro "Bubista" Leitão Brito is the Portuguese coach who led Cabo Verde to their historic first World Cup qualification. Working with a diaspora-heavy squad whose players are scattered across European leagues, Bubista has built a compact, organized team that punches above its weight in African competition. Cabo Verde's qualification is an extraordinary achievement for a nation of just 500,000 people — their diaspora communities in Providence, Boston, and New England are the heart of their support base. Bubista's defensive organization will be tested against elite opposition, but his team's physical intensity and unit cohesion have been their signature.

Probable Starting XI

Josimar DiasGK

30, Portuguese professional. Cabo Verde's established goalkeeper. Solid in AFCON competition. First World Cup.

Steven FortesRB

33, Estoril. Portuguese professional. Right-back with experience at multiple levels. First World Cup.

Roberto LopesCB

30, Shamrock Rovers. Cabo Verde's defensive leader. Irish League experience. Physical and commanding. First World Cup.

Kenny Rocha SantosCB

28, Portuguese professional. Composed central defender. First World Cup.

StopiraLB

35, veteran left-back. One of Cabo Verde's most capped players. Experienced in European football. Possibly final major tournament.

Garry RodriguesDM

33, winger turned midfielder. Turkish football experience. One of Cabo Verde's most technically gifted. First World Cup.

Jamiro MonteiroCM

31, former Philadelphia Union (MLS). Cabo Verde's creative force. Dynamic midfielder. First World Cup.

Ryan MendesCAM

33, veteran attacking midfielder. Portuguese professional. First World Cup.

DjaninyRW

32, Al-Fayha (Saudi Arabia). Top scorer for Cabo Verde. Physical and direct winger. First World Cup.

Julio TavaresST

33, French professional. Target striker. Hold-up play and aerial threat. First World Cup.

Gilson TavaresLW

28, Portuguese professional. Left winger with pace. First World Cup.

Full Squad

12–26

Remaining squad

Cabo Verde's full squad of 26 consists almost entirely of Portuguese-based professionals and players from other European leagues. The diaspora connection is central — many were born in Portugal, France, and the Netherlands to Cabo Verdean families. All 26 are making their first World Cup appearance. This is the most significant moment in Cabo Verdean football history.

🇸🇦

Saudi Arabia

SAFF · Saudi Arabian Football Federation

Georgios Donis was appointed Saudi Arabia head coach in April 2026, making him one of the most recently appointed coaches at the tournament. The Greek manager has experience in European football including stints in the Greek Super League and brief roles in other European competitions. His late appointment gives him minimal preparation time for a World Cup, which will be a significant challenge. Saudi Arabia are coming off a famous shock 2-1 victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which elevated expectations. The Green Falcons have invested heavily in their domestic league (Saudi Pro League), attracting global stars, which may improve technical quality in the squad.

Probable Starting XI

Mohammed Al-OwaisGK

32, Al-Hilal. Saudi Arabia's established goalkeeper. World Cup 2022 starter. Good shot-stopper with commanding presence.

Saud AbdulhamidRB

25, Roma. Saudi Arabia's most high-profile European-based player. Serie A right-back. Signed for Roma 2024. First World Cup with significant European experience.

Ali Al-BulaihiCB

33, Al-Hilal. Saudi defensive leader. World Cup 2022 participant. Physical and experienced.

Abdulelah Al-AmriCB

27, Al-Hilal. Central defender with Saudi Pro League experience. First World Cup.

Yasser Al-ShahraniLB

31, Al-Hilal. Dynamic left-back. World Cup 2022 participant.

Mohammed KannoDM

27, Al-Hilal. Defensive midfielder. Combative and disciplined. First World Cup.

Sami Al-NajeiCM

28, Al-Shabab. Technical midfielder. Saudi Pro League regular. First World Cup.

Salem Al-DawsariCAM

32, Al-Hilal. Saudi Arabia's most experienced attacker. Scored the famous winner vs Argentina 2022. Creative and dangerous. World Cup 2018 and 2022 participant.

Firas Al-BuraikanRW

24, Al-Fateh. Pacy young winger. One of Saudi Arabia's most exciting emerging talents. World Cup 2022 participant.

Riyadh MahrezLW

33, Al-Ahli. Algerian-born but representing Saudi Arabia. Former Manchester City and Leicester City — Premier League champion, Champions League winner. Extraordinary technical quality. Could be the difference-maker at this level.

Marwan Al-SahafiST

25, Al-Nassr. Young striker. Saudi Pro League performer. First World Cup.

Full Squad

Waleed AbdullahGK

28, backup goalkeeper. Saudi Pro League. First World Cup.

Nawaf Al-AqidiGK

31, third goalkeeper. Saudi Pro League. World Cup 2022 participant.

Hassan TambaktiCB

26, Al-Hilal. Young defender. First World Cup.

Abdullah Al-KhaibariCM

25, midfielder. Saudi Pro League. First World Cup.

Ali Al-HassanCM

27, Al-Nassr. Midfield option. First World Cup.

Abdulrahman Al-AboudCM

28, Al-Ahli. Technically composed midfielder. First World Cup.

Abdullah Al-HamdanST

26, Al-Shabab. Striker option. Saudi Pro League scorer. First World Cup.

Hattan BahebriFW

30, Al-Shabab. Attacking option. First World Cup.

Abdulelah Al-MalkiRB

25, right-back option. First World Cup.

Nasser Al-DawsariFW

28, forward option. Saudi Pro League. First World Cup.

Tawfeer Al-HarbiCM

24, young midfielder. First World Cup.

Osama HawsawiCB

38, veteran defender. Multiple World Cups. Last Saudi player from the 2018 generation.

Khalid Al-GhannamFW

27, forward. Saudi Pro League. First World Cup.

Ali Al-NemerRW

23, young right winger. First World Cup.

Mohamed KannoDM

See #6 above — squad listing variant.