World Cup 2026: Portugal vs DR. Congo – Preview, form guide, prediction and kick-off time

Portugal begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday, June 17, at NRG Stadium in Houston, as Roberto Martínez’s side look to make a strong start in Group K.

While Portugal arrive as one of the tournament favourites, DR Congo are preparing for their first World Cup appearance in 52 years and will be eager to mark their return to the global stage with a memorable performance.

Match Preview

Portugal head into the tournament carrying significant expectations after an impressive run of form leading up to the World Cup. The European giants have lost just one of their last 13 matches, winning ten and drawing two, with their most eye-catching result being a 9-1 demolition of Armenia during qualification.

Despite consistently producing talented squads, Portugal have often struggled to replicate their continental success on football’s biggest stage. Since reaching the semi-finals in 1966, they have failed to make another appearance in the final four, and recent tournaments have been marked by inconsistent starts.

Their record in World Cup openers highlights that issue. Portugal have won just one of their last four opening matches, although that victory came against African opposition when they defeated Ghana 3-2 at the 2022 World Cup.

For DR Congo, this tournament represents a historic return. The Leopards are appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. Their qualification was secured through a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica in an intercontinental play-off earlier this year.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre has overseen significant progress, but preparations have not been ideal. The team failed to win either of their warm-up matches and have also had to deal with challenges off the field, including travel restrictions affecting supporters back home.

Form Guide

Portugal

• Armenia 1-9 Portugal
• Won 10 of their last 13 matches
• Lost just once during that run
• Scored in ten consecutive World Cup matches before their defeat to Morocco in 2022

DR Congo

• Qualified via a 1-0 win over Jamaica
• Won 14 of their last 22 competitive matches
• Failed to win either pre-World Cup friendly
• Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974

Team News

Portugal have a fully fit squad available and are not reporting any major injury concerns ahead of their tournament opener.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the attack as he embarks on yet another World Cup campaign, while Martínez has a wealth of talent available across midfield and defence.

DR Congo also enter the match without any significant injury issues. Sébastien Desabre is expected to rely on experienced forward Cédric Bakambu, who played a crucial role during qualification.

Key Players to Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

The Portuguese captain continues to rewrite football history. Ronaldo arrived at the tournament as the only player to have scored in five different FIFA World Cups, and he will be aiming to extend that remarkable record in Houston.

Cédric Bakambu (DR Congo)

Bakambu remains DR Congo’s main attacking threat. The striker scored four goals during qualification, with each of those strikes coming before half-time, highlighting his ability to make an early impact.

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first-ever senior international meeting between Portugal and DR Congo.

Portugal’s most recent encounter with African opposition at a World Cup ended in disappointment when Morocco eliminated them in the quarter-finals of the 2022 tournament.

Key Stats

• Portugal have lost only one of their last 13 matches.
• Nine of Portugal’s last 13 games have produced over 2.5 goals.
• Portugal scored in ten consecutive World Cup matches before their defeat to Morocco.
• Eighteen of DR Congo’s last 22 victories came with a clean sheet.
• The last four goals conceded by DR Congo all arrived after the 50th minute.

Prediction

DR Congo possess the defensive organisation to frustrate opponents, but Portugal’s superior quality, attacking depth and tournament experience should ultimately prove decisive.

With Cristiano Ronaldo leading a talented squad and Portugal arriving in excellent form, anything other than a victory for the Europeans would be a major surprise.

Prediction: Portugal 3-1 DR Congo

Kick-Off Time

The Group K clash between Portugal and DR Congo will take place on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at NRG Stadium in Houston, with both teams looking to make a positive start to their World Cup campaign.