Preview: Portugal vs DR Congo prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026
This will be the first encounter between these two nations
The Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas, will host an enthralling encounter between Portugal and DR Congo in the opening game of Group K of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Both nations will be competing with Uzbekistan and Colombia to qualify for the knock-out phase of the competition. Under the tutelage of Roberto Martínez, Portugal won last year’s UEFA Nations League by defeating Germany and Spain in the semi-finals and finals, respectively. They have one of the most talented squads in the world and can possibly win their first-ever FIFA World Cup this time around.
DR Congo, on the other hand, are making their first World Cup appearance since 1974. They went through a long and intense qualifying campaign, which involved competing in the continental and inter-confederation playoffs. Their last game ended in a 2-1 loss against Chile. However, DR Congo have the talent of pulling an upset over any nation, and Portugal are no exception.
Kick-off:
Location: Santa Clara, California
Stadium: Houston Stadium
Date: Wednesday, 17 June
Kick-off Time: 05:00 PM (GMT) I 01:00 PM (ET) | 10:30 PM (IST)
Referee: Not decided
VAR: In use
Form:
Portugal (in all competitions): W-W-W-D-W
DR Congo (in all competitions): L-D-W-W-L
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch
Players to watch out for:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
The Portuguese striker is arguably the greatest goalscorer in football history. He is still impossible to contain, even at the age of 41, and can give nightmares to any defence. Ronaldo is coming into this game after having an impressive season with Al-Nassr, as he secured his first league title since joining them in 2023.
Joris Kayembe (DR Congo)
The fullback absolutely dominates the left flank all by himself as he is excellent on the offensive and defensive front. He scored DR Congo’s only goal against Chile during the pre-World Cup friendly. He rarely loses any duels with the opposition winger and will be crucial for DR Congo against Portugal.
Match Facts:
- Portugal and DR Congo have never played each other in any competitive fixture.
- Portugal won 2-1 against Nigeria in their last game.
- DR Congo lost 2-1 against Chile in their last game.
Portugal vs DR Congo: Betting tips and odds
- Tip 1: Portugal to win – 1.21 by Stake
- Tip 2: Both teams to score – Yes – 1.44 by Dafabet
- Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 3.5 – 1.69 by 1XBET
Injury and Team news:
Portugal Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho
Defenders: Tomás Araújo, João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes, Matheus Nunes, Nelson Semedo, Renato Veiga
Midfielders: Samuel Costa, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha
Forwards: Francisco Conceição, João Félix, Gonçalo Guedes, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, Gonçalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Francisco Trincão
DR Congo Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers: Lionel Mpasi, Thimothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo
Defenders: Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Alex Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Joris Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Aaron Tshibola, Dylan Batubinsika, Gédéon Kalulu
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Meschack Elia, Gael Kakuta
Forwards: Theo Bongonda, Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa
Head-to-Head:
Portugal and DR Congo have never played each other in any competitive fixture.
Predicted Lineups:
Portugal (4-2-3-1)
Costa (GK); Semedo, Dias, Inácio, Dalot; Neves, Vitinha; Trincão, Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo
DR Congo (4-3-3)
Nzau (GK); Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kayembe; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Bongonda, Wissa, Mbuku
Match Prediction:
The encounter between Portugal and DR Congo is expected to be a rather interesting one. Portugal have one of the best squads in the world, and despite DR Congo’s talent, our prediction for the winner will be,
Prediction: Portugal 3-1 DR Congo
Telecast details:
India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5
UK: BBC & ITV
USA: FOX Sports
Nigeria: DStv, GOtv
Where to watch Portugal vs DR Congo live in India?
Portugal vs DR Congo will be streamed live on Zee5 in India.
Where will Portugal vs DR Congo be played?
The game will be played at the Houston Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Who won the last head-to-head encounter between Portugal and DR Congo?
This will be the first encounter between these two nations.
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Bhavya is a passionate and knowledgeable writer specializing in Football and WWE. With a deep-rooted passion for these sports dating back to 2013, he brings over a decade of insight and enthusiasm to every piece of writing.