Portugal starting lineup vs DR Congo confirmed as Cristiano Ronaldo named for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

Portugal and the DR Congo are ready for their first-ever clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The stage is set for Portugal’s highly anticipated opening game at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Roberto Martinez’s men will lock horns against DR Congo at the Houston Stadium on Wednesday, June 17.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing in his sixth FIFA World Cup campaign, while DR Congo are returning to the global stage for the first time since 1974. While the Leopards are looking to secure their first point of the tournament, Roberto Martinez’s men are eyeing the title.

Seleção das Quinas, who won the 2025 Nations League after beating Germany and Spain, have reached the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup twice. In 1966, led by former Portuguese attacker Eusebio, they secured a third-place finish. Later, in 2006, they finished fourth in the summer competition.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Morocco, who later became the only African nation to reach the semifinals of the coveted tournament. With players such as Vitinha, Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes and Bruno Fernandes, Portugal looks strong.

Nevertheless, DR Congo wouldn’t have asked for a bigger challenge on their World Cup return. Both sides have never faced each other before, and their first clash is set to be played on the grandest stage of football.

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

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

Portugal (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa (GK), João Cancelo, Renato Veiga, Tomás Araújo, Nuno Mendes, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo (C), Pedro Neto

Substitutes: José Sá (GK), Rui Silva (GK), Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Nélson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Rúben Neves, Samuel Costa, João Félix, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos, Goncalo Inacio, Rafael Leão

Thoughts on the line-up

Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the Portuguese lineup from the front, while he will be supported by Pedro Neto and Bernardo Silva on the wings. A strong world-class trio, consisting of Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, and Vitinha, will control the tempo of the match while creating creative opportunities.

In the defence, Reneto Veiga and Tomás Araújo will form the formidable centre-back duo, while Nuno Mendes and João Cancelo will feature as fullbacks. The team has a strong framework and creative players who can run the game. However, Seleção das Quinas could potentially concede goals.

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