Portugal launch their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Wednesday with a Group K encounter against DR Congo, aiming to make a statement as they pursue a long-awaited first world title.
Despite boasting some of the most talented squads in international football over the past two decades, Portugal are yet to conquer the biggest stage. Their finest World Cup achievement remains the third-place finish at the 1966 tournament, while a fourth-place result in 2006 stands as their only other deep run in the competition. Most recently, they exited at the quarter-final stage in Qatar.
Now under the guidance of Roberto Martinez, the Portuguese arrive in North America carrying genuine expectations. Armed with a squad packed with elite-level talent and buoyed by a trio of consecutive friendly victories over the United States, Chile, and Nigeria, Selecao das Quinas are widely viewed as serious contenders for the trophy.
Group K appears favourable on paper, with Colombia, Uzbekistan and DR Congo standing between Portugal and a place in the knockout rounds. The Europeans are expected to finish top of the section, and anything less than victory in their opening fixture would be considered a major surprise.
Adding further intrigue to the contest is the fact that Portugal and DR Congo have never met before in international competition. Their first-ever meeting will take place at Houston’s World Cup stage, where the Leopards hope to upset the odds against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
While Portugal enter the tournament among the favourites, DR Congo have already enjoyed a memorable journey simply by reaching the finals. The Central African nation secured its first World Cup qualification in 52 years thanks to a dramatic extra-time winner from Axel Tuanzebe in a tense intercontinental playoff against Jamaica earlier this year in Mexico.
Sebastien Desabre‘s side have shown resilience in recent months. They earned a respectable goalless draw against Denmark in a pre-tournament friendly before narrowly falling 2-1 to Chile. Across their last four outings, the Leopards have collected two victories and suffered just one defeat.
Portugal vs DR Congo prediction, betting: Wissa eyes goalscoring in World Cup debut
The expanded World Cup format also offers encouragement. With additional qualification places available in the knockout rounds, DR Congo know that even a third-place finish could be enough to prolong their stay in the tournament.
Team news
Portugal head into the match with a fully fit squad and few selection dilemmas. Veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to spearhead the attack and could earn his 229th international appearance, further extending his remarkable record with the national team.
Martinez is likely to trust the core of the side that has impressed throughout qualification and recent friendlies, with minimal experimentation anticipated for such an important opening fixture.
DR Congo, meanwhile, possess a squad containing several players well known to European football followers. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku are all expected to form part of a defensive setup that could feature five at the back.
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In midfield, Sunderland youngster Noah Sadiki is pushing for a starting role, while attacking responsibility is set to fall on the experienced duo of Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu, who will be tasked with troubling Portugal’s defence whenever opportunities arise.
Prediction
Portugal possess significantly greater depth, experience and attacking firepower, and they should have enough quality to begin their World Cup campaign with three points.
DR Congo are organised and capable of making life difficult, but over 90 minutes the Europeans are expected to prove too strong.
Betting tip
Portugal to win (1.33 odds on 1xBet).
Les Léopards aux USA. #RDC #RDCongo #FecofaRdc #FIFA pic.twitter.com/fOfeb3ic45
— Compte Officiel de Léopards (@fecofa_kinshasa) June 11, 2026
Player to watch
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
One of the standout right-backs at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Aaron Wan-Bissaka brings defensive quality, athleticism and top-level experience to the Leopards’ backline.
The former Manchester United defender has earned 12 caps for DR Congo and will play a crucial role in attempting to contain Portugal’s dangerous attacking threats.
