The European heavyweights arrive in Texas brimming with confidence after a breathtaking qualification campaign that saw them plunder 20 goals in just six matches. Backed by a star-studded roster, the world’s fifth-ranked team enters the tournament firmly fixed among the favorites to lift the global crown, making a dominant opening statement their clear objective.
DR Congo step onto the World Cup stage for the first time since 1974, ending a 52-year absence. Under the guidance of Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards secured their spot in sensational style through the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico, edging past Jamaica 1-0 in Guadalajara. While they enter as heavy underdogs, they will draw massive inspiration from Cape Verde’s historic goalless draw against Spain earlier in the week, proving that African resilience can disrupt the tournament’s elite.
Portugal’s Creative Juggernaut
Martínez has assembled a squad that boasts arguably the most terrifyingly deep midfield engine room in the entire tournament. Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and João Neves are expected to orchestrate the tempo from the center, feeding an arsenal of explosive wide talent that includes Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, and Bernardo Silva.
All eyes, as ever, will be on international soccer’s ultimate marksman, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old icon is set to spearhead the attack in his historic sixth World Cup tournament. He is incredibly fortunate to feature in Wednesday’s opener; after receiving a straight red card for violent conduct against the Republic of Ireland in their penultimate qualifier, FIFA suspended his ban until after the conclusion of the tournament.
Defensively, Manchester City’s Rúben Dias will anchor the backline alongside Gonçalo Inácio or Renato Veiga. Dynamic Paris Saint-Germain full-back Nuno Mendes and João Cancelo will provide relentless overlapping width, shielding goalkeeper Diogo Costa from deep transitions. Portugal’s tactical blueprint will revolve around suffocating possession and breaking down a low block through sheer technical ingenuity.
DR Congo’s Defensive Wall and Counter-Threat
DR Congo understand that survival against a team of Portugal’s quality requires absolute defensive discipline. Desabre faces a tactical crossroads and may deploy a rigid five-man backline or a compact 4-5-1 structure designed to starve the Portuguese playmakers of space in the final third.
The Leopards boast plenty of elite pedigree in their defensive ranks. Premier League fans will easily recognize the sturdy presence of full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku, alongside central defenders Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe. In the heart of the midfield, Sunderland’s youthful talent Noah Sadiki will be tasked with the monumental job of disrupting Bruno Fernandes’ creative rhythm.
Offensively, the goalscoring burden rests on Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and the experienced Cédric Bakambu. DR Congo’s strategy will rely heavily on sitting deep, absorbing waves of Portuguese pressure, and using the direct pace of Silas Elia and Meschack Elia on the flanks to catch the European side exposed on rapid counter-attacks.
Team News
Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo is fully cleared to lead the line after his qualifying suspension was deferred. Winger Rafael Leão is also available for selection despite a red card in a pre-tournament warm-up friendly against Chile. Diogo Costa is locked in between the posts, while Gonçalo Inácio and Renato Veiga compete to partner Rúben Dias in central defence.
DR Congo: Sébastien Desabre has a completely clean bill of health with no injuries or suspensions to report. Up front, Yoane Wissa could lead the line over Cédric Bakambu if Desabre opts for greater mobility on the counter-attack. The English-based defensive quartet of Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, and Masuaku are locked in to start.
Form Guide
Portugal: Carried a flawless and devastating rhythm through qualifying, highlighted by a dominant nine-goal demolition of Armenia. Martínez’s side have consistently demonstrated the clinical edge required to dismantle deep-lying defensive lines. Their world-class squad depth ensures that even if their primary attacking options are stifled, they possess the game-changers on the bench to alter the course of a match instantly.
DR Congo: Arrive in North America with mixed form, having won just two of their last five fixtures. Monumental qualification victories over Cameroon, Nigeria, and Jamaica proved their mental resilience in high-stakes matches. However, their final pre-tournament preparations exposed some cracks, as a respectable draw with Denmark was followed by a tough friendly defeat to Chile.
Predicted Lineups
Portugal: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inácio, Mendes; Vitinha, J. Neves; Silva, Fernandes, Leão; Ronaldo
DR Congo: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Elia, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Sadiki, Mbuku; Wissa
Prediction
While DR Congo possess the defensive organization and top-tier experience to frustrate Portugal for patches of the match, the sheer gulf in creative quality should ultimately prove overwhelming. Between Ronaldo’s predatory instincts and the inventiveness of Fernandes and Vitinha, Portugal should find the necessary keys to unlock the Leopards’ backline while containing their isolated counter-attacks.
We say: Portugal 3-1 DR Congo
Kick-off: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 12:00 PM Local (Houston) / 6:00 PM BST / 10:30 PM IST
Venue: Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium), Houston, Texas, USA
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group K
Referee: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar)
How to watch: BBC One, BBC iPlayer (UK), FOX Network, Telemundo (USA), United Sports 1 & 2 (India, TV), ZEE5 (India, Live Stream)
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