World Cup preview: Portugal vs Congo DR – prediction, team news, possible lineups
By Joel Masibo, June 17, 2026Portugal will launch their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 with a Group K encounter against DR Congo at Houston Stadium, aiming to make a strong start in their pursuit of a first-ever world title.
Despite boasting some of the world’s finest footballers over the years, Portugal have never managed to lift the World Cup trophy. However, the European side are once again considered among the leading contenders thanks to the depth and quality available within their squad.
Portugal eyeing history
Portugal’s finest World Cup finish remains their third-place achievement in 1966. Since then, their best performances have included a fourth-place finish in 2006 and a quarter-final appearance at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Although they celebrated continental glory by winning UEFA Euro 2016, the World Cup remains the one major prize that continues to elude the Portuguese national team. Veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, is expected to spearhead their latest bid for global success.
Under coach Roberto Martinez, Portugal are widely viewed as favourites to top Group K, which also features Colombia and Uzbekistan. The Selecao enter the tournament in positive form after recording friendly victories against the United States, Chile and Nigeria.
Their qualification campaign ended emphatically with a 9-1 demolition of Armenia, though a defeat to the Republic of Ireland later raised concerns about whether they can genuinely challenge for the championship.
Wednesday’s meeting will mark the first-ever match between Portugal and DR Congo, with the European side expected to have the upper hand.
DR Congo eyeing another surprise
DR Congo head into the tournament determined to make an impact after ending a 52-year absence from the World Cup. Their return was secured through a dramatic intercontinental playoff triumph over Jamaica, settled by Axel Tuanzebe’s extra-time winner in Mexico.
The Leopards have shown encouraging signs in recent months. They held Denmark to a goalless draw in a pre-tournament friendly before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Chile.
Sebastien Desabre’s side also reached the Round of 16 at the recent Africa Cup of Nations and have lost only once in their last four matches. The expanded format of the World Cup offers them a realistic opportunity to progress beyond the group stage, especially if they can collect points against fellow Group K rivals Colombia and Uzbekistan.
Team news
Portugal have a fully fit squad available and are unlikely to make major surprises in their starting lineup. Ronaldo is set to make his 229th appearance for the national team as he looks to add to his remarkable tally of 143 international goals.
Several players arrive in excellent form following club success, including Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Vitinha, who recently helped Paris Saint-Germain secure the UEFA Champions League title. Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes is also expected to start after an impressive season.
For DR Congo, the squad features several players familiar to European football fans. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku are all expected to feature in defence.
In midfield, Noah Sadiki is likely to play a key role, while Yoane Wissa and experienced striker Cedric Bakambu are expected to lead the attack. Bakambu enters the tournament as the squad’s top scorer with 21 international goals, while Wissa has found the net nine times for his country.
Possible starting lineups
Portugal:
Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto.
DR Congo:
Dimitry Bertaud Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Christian Kapuadi, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku; Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Ngal’ayel Mukau; Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu.
Match Prediction
Portugal possess significantly greater depth, experience and attacking quality, making them overwhelming favourites heading into the contest. While DR Congo have proven difficult to break down, the European giants are expected to begin their World Cup campaign with a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Portugal 3-0 DR Congo.