Did Ronaldo make the cut? World Cup Group K best player rankings

The World Cup is upon us, and as we count down the final days before the spectacle kicks off in Mexico City, it’s time to continue ranking the best players from each of the initial 12 groups.

Group K is an interesting one, as Cristiano Ronaldo at 41-years-old continues his quest to lift the World Cup.

While he appears to still be a focal point of the squad this World Cup, did he make it onto the podium for my top players of the quartet made up of Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo?

Luis Diaz celebrates with teammate midfielder James Rodriguez after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina

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Colombia is known for its spectacular goals and attack. While country legend James Rodriguez has slowed down and looks to be close to retiring following a miserable stint in MLS to get ready for the World Cup, the former Liverpool striker is ready to take up the mantle as the ace of the national team. While there were some doubters that his time in the Premier League might have been a fluke, he’s continued to improve in the Bundesliga and is one of the most dangerous wingers this competition.

Ferandes not only broke the Premier League assist record this campaign but was named Premier League Player of the Year. Fernandes is going to be looked upon a lot during the next month and a half to be the creative force of a Portuguese team with an elite midfield but question marks up front.

Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United FC

Does it really matter if Portugal doesn’t know how well their strikers can score if they have the midfield trio of Vitinha, Fernandes, and João Neves, who could have easily slotted in over Diaz to make it an all Portugal midfield podium? If Fernandes is the fire that will ignite Portugese fans this summer, then the PSG tempo man is the cool, calming water that should let his team always feel like they have control of the match.