Portugal will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey with a Group K showdown against DR Congo in Houston on Wednesday, aiming to make an immediate statement in a pool that also features Colombia and Uzbekistan.
With expectations high around Roberto Martinez’s talented squad, the Portuguese enter the tournament as one of the sides capable of challenging for the title. Securing all three points in their opening fixture would strengthen their hopes of finishing atop the group and building early momentum.
Much of the spotlight will once again fall on Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41 years old, the legendary forward is preparing for what is expected to be his sixth and final World Cup appearance. Despite an extraordinary international career that has delivered UEFA Euro 2016 glory and UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025, football’s biggest prize has remained beyond his reach. The tournament presents one last opportunity for Ronaldo to add a World Cup winner’s medal to his remarkable collection.
Standing in Portugal’s path are a DR Congo side eager to make history of their own. The Leopards return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1974, when they competed under the name Zaire. Their qualification ended a 52-year absence from the global showpiece and marked a significant achievement for head coach Sebastien Desabre and his squad.
World Cup 2026. Portugal vs DR Congo: prediction, team news, player to watch
However, DR Congo are not travelling merely to make up the numbers. Armed with a squad featuring several established players from Europe’s top leagues, they will believe they can compete strongly and potentially challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.
Where to watch the match
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One in the United Kingdom, Fox Sports in the United States, Zee5 in India, and SBS in Australia.
Viewers across South Africa and much of Sub-Saharan Africa can follow the action on SuperSport.
Probable lineups
Portugal: Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva; Cristiano Ronaldo.
DR Congo: Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku; Théo Bongonda, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Yoane Wissa; Cédric Bakambu.
Portugal will enter the contest as clear favourites, but DR Congo’s long-awaited return to the World Cup ensures there will be no shortage of motivation on the opposite side.
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With one team seeking a dream start and the other looking to announce its return on the biggest stage, an intriguing opening Group K encounter awaits in Houston.
