FIFA World Cup 2026: Portugal vs DR Congo Match Preview

Portugal national football team begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Wednesday with a Group K clash against DR Congo national football team in Houston, with Roberto Martinez's side aiming to make a strong start in their quest for global glory.

Portugal remain one of Europe's strongest international teams, although their best-ever World Cup finish remains third place in 1966. Since then, the Selecao have often fallen short of expectations despite boasting world-class talent. Their fourth-place finish in 2006 remains their most notable modern achievement, while they exited at the quarter-final stage in Qatar 2022.

Fresh from winning Euro 2016 and consistently competing among the world's elite nations, Portugal enter this tournament as overwhelming favourites to top Group K, which also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan. Roberto Martinez's men arrive in excellent form after recording friendly victories over the USA, Chile, and Nigeria.

The Portuguese side also ended their qualification campaign in emphatic fashion, hammering Armenia 9-1. However, a surprise defeat to the Republic of Ireland last year showed that there are still questions surrounding their ability to challenge for the World Cup title.

For DR Congo, simply reaching the tournament represents a historic achievement. The Leopards qualified for their first World Cup since 1974 after defeating Jamaica 1-0 in an intercontinental playoff, thanks to an extra-time winner from Axel Tuanzebe.

Sebastien Desabre's team have shown encouraging signs ahead of the tournament. A goalless draw against Denmark and a narrow defeat to Chile in recent friendlies demonstrated their ability to compete against strong opposition. With the expanded 48-team World Cup format, DR Congo have realistic hopes of reaching the knockout stages, particularly if they can secure points against Uzbekistan and Colombia.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Portugal and DR Congo. On paper, the Europeans possess significantly more quality, experience, and attacking firepower, making them clear favourites to open their campaign with three points.

Team News

Portugal

Portugal have a fully fit squad available, and Martinez is expected to field a strong lineup.

All eyes will once again be on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to make his 229th international appearance. The legendary forward continues to chase World Cup glory and will look to add to his remarkable international goal tally.

Portugal's midfield should be packed with quality, featuring Bruno Fernandes alongside Paris Saint-Germain trio Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Nuno Mendes.

DR Congo

DR Congo possess several well-known players competing across Europe.

The defensive unit is expected to feature Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, and Arthur Masuaku.

In attack, much of the responsibility will fall on Yoane Wissa and veteran striker Cedric Bakambu, who remains the squad's leading international goalscorer.

Recent Form

Portugal (all competitions):
L – W – D – W – W – W

DR Congo (all competitions):
W – L – W – W – D – L

Predicted Lineups

Prediction

Portugal possess superior quality in every department and should dominate possession throughout the contest. DR Congo are likely to defend deep and attempt to threaten on the counterattack through Wissa and Bakambu, but containing Portugal's attacking talent for 90 minutes will be an enormous challenge.

Prediction: Portugal 3-0 DR Congo. Ronaldo and company should begin their World Cup journey with a comfortable victory while sending an early message to their Group K rivals.