The Democratic Republic of Congo will begin their campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament when they face one of the favourites Portugal in Group K.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the lowdown for the June 17 encounter at the Houston Stadium.
Portugal ve DR Congo match preview
Portugal enter this clash as one of the favourites to lift the tournament and on the back of impressive form. The Selecao defeated Chile and Nigeria in their last two friendly games and will be full of confidence going into this clash. They boat several world-class players on their team, led by five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. Their midfield is well stacked, with the likes of Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves and Bernardo Silva also. Their best-ever finish at a World Cup was third place in 1966, although they will be eyeing a first-ever title this time around.
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DR Congo, meanwhile, have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, ending a 52-year wait to reach the Mundial. The Leopards defeated Nigeria in the CAF playoff final, before going on to beat Jamaica in the intercontinental playoffs to seal their spot in the tournament. They will also face group games against South America giants Colombia and Asian side Uzbekistan, as they hope to progress to the next round.
Portugal vs DR Congo Head-to-Head
This will be a first-ever meeting at top senior level between both sides.
Best betting odds
Home (Portugal) to Win – 1.33 (via 1xBet)
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Prediction
Portugal are overwhelming favourites and they have enough quality in the team to record a convincing win to begin their quest for the title.
Recent form: Portugal
Portugal have been in impressive form in recent games, winning four of their last five matches across all competitions and recording just a single draw.
The 2016 European champions only struggled to score once in this run, while they managed two clean sheets and scored multiple times in four of those matches, including a 9-1 rout of Armenia in November.
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Recent form: DR Congo
DR Congo suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chile in their last match, although they were on a three game unbeaten run before that defeat, winning two and recording one draw.
The Leopards have kept three clean sheets in their last four matches, and they only failed to score in one of these matches as well.
Player to watch
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
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Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa is expected to lead the line for DR Congo against Portugal and will be eyeing a goalscoring outing on his debut at the tournament.
The 29-year-old ability to make runs into the box and pace could cause the Portuguese defence problems in the clash and give his side a form of threat.
