Portugal vs DR Congo: Top five players to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026 ft Vitinha & Axel Tuanzebe

Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal for the sixth time in a FIFA World Cup tournament.

UEFA Nations League 2025 winners Portugal kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Wednesday against DR Congo. The Group K encounter will be played at the Houston Stadium in Texas.

Here are five players who will have a massive say in the Portugal vs DR Congo match:

5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

The only player more dangerous than Cristiano Ronaldo in front of goal is the Cristiano Ronaldo who has not scored in his last couple of games. The Portuguese captain scuffed his chances in the friendlies against Chile and Nigeria and will be itching to get on the field against DR Congo to showcase his prowess once again.

Going into his sixth FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo is likely to have one of the best Portuguese players of all time playing alongside him. CR7 had a poor UEFA Euro 2024, and heading into his last major tournament, he would be hungry to help Portugal get as far as possible.

4. Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)

Leading the line for DR Congo will be Newcastle United’s striker Yoane Wissa. The 29-year-old moved to the Tyneside club in 2025 and had an underwhelming 2025-26 season, scoring just three goals in 28 games.

To his credit, Wissa had better seasons with Brentford in 2023-24 and 2024-25, scoring 32 goals across the two seasons in all competitions. A goal against Portugal will not just make a goalscorer in a World Cup, but it will also help him regain confidence.

3. Vitinha (Portugal)

Portugal are expected to dominate the possession against DR Congo, and the player who would be tasked with keeping the ball and controlling the tempo of the game would be none other than Vitinha. The 26-year-old is fresh off winning back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles with Paris Saint-Germain and is in top form.

Os Navegadores need Vitinha to be at his best in the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they are to go all the way. A good start to the tournament will give the midfielder a world of confidence in what will surely be a career-defining tournament for Vitinha.

2. Gonçalo Inácio (Portugal)

With the ever-present Pepe now retired, Gonçalo Inácio has big boots to fill in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 24-year-old won his first silverware with Portugal last summer by winning the UEFA Nations League 2025. However, playing in the World Cup is an out-of-body experience compared to it.

Partnering with Ruben Dias, Inacio would have to keep Portugal’s defence tight throughout the tournament. The game against DR Congo will just be the start, and the Sporting Club de Portugal player will have to utilise all of his experience so far when the spotlight falls on him.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

1. Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo)

With Portugal expected to keep possession, they will have more of the shots in the game. For DR Congo, partnering Chancel Mbemba in defence will be Axel Tuanzebe, who has a wealth of Premier League experience.

The Burnley defender has previously also represented Ipswich, Stoke City, Napoli, Aston Villa, and Manchester United. Tuanzebe, who represented England at the youth level, switched his allegiance to DR Congo in 2024 and has since helped bolster their defence.

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