DR Congo starting lineup vs Portugal confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match

Both nations are set for their first-ever historic meeting.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is currently underway, and the competition has witnessed a major phenomenon, with nations returning after years of absence making their mark in the tournament against bigger opposition.

Amongst those teams are DR Congo, as they are set to play European heavyweights Portugal in the opening fixture of Group K at Houston Stadium in Texas, USA. DR Congo will make history on the global competition, returning to the world stage after a 52-year absence, marking their first appearance since competing as Zaire in 1974, ending the fourth-longest qualification drought.

DR Congo will be led by manager Sébastien Desabre. DR Congo sealed their spot after a dramatic victory in the Intercontinental Play-offs, defeating Jamaica 1-0. He has named their strongest squad for the tournament, featuring key veterans, who will need to guide the youngsters as the competition progresses. The manager has confirmed that the team is completely fit with almost all players available for the historic clash.

Led by talents like Chancel Mbemba, Yoane Wissa, and Samuel Moutoussamy, DR Congo will focus on establishing themselves on the global stage. DR Congo is placed in Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, regarded as a highly competitive pathway for the African side. They will compete alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

Also Read: List of managers sacked during FIFA World Cup 2026

DR Congo’s confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Portugal:

DR Congo (5-3-2): Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba (c), Steve Kapuadi, Arthur Masuaku; Edo Kayembe, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal Ayel Mukaku; Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu.

Substitutes: Matthieu Epolo (gk), Timothy Fayulu, Dylan Batubinsika, Gedeon Kalulu, Jorid Kayembe Ditu, Aaron Tshibola, Brian Cipenga, Charles Pickel, Noah Sadiki, Fiston Mayele, Gael Kakuta, Meschack Elia, Nathanael Mbuku, Simon Banza, Theo Bongonda.

Thoughts on the Lineup

Lionel Mpasi is confirmed to start between the sticks for the side, with the player being a standout player in their recent fixtures. He will be guarded by a highly disciplined three-man defence of captain Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, and Steve Kapuadi. They will provide the defensive stability, leadership, and crucial aerial dominance needed to keep Portugal’s elite attackers in check.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, known for his incredible 1v1 defending skills, starts on the right flank to suppress Portugal’s wide attacks. Arthur Masuaku completes the backline, starting at left-back, celebrated for his work rate and his ability to initiate lethal counter-attacks with his accurate crossing.

Midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy will act as the defensive anchor to shield the defence, utilising his positional awareness to block the central passing lanes. Ngal Ayel Mukau and Edo Kayembe start alongside him, tasked with breaking up opposition transitions and using their work rate to create quick counterattacks.

Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu form the two-man attack, trusted by the manager for their clinical finishing, off-the-ball movements, and physical strength to stretch the opposition centre-backs.

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