Portugal begin their World Cup 2026 campaign today when they face the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group K.
This tournament is likely to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last major competition with his country, with the captain now 41 years old.
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That, however, has not deterred him from playing here in the United States, Canada and Mexico, in search of the one trophy that continues to elude him.
The veteran is desperate to get his hands on the trophy that Lionel Messi held aloft in Doha, Qatar four years ago after Argentina clinched the crown after a penalties win over France in the final.
Roberto Martinez’s men are one of the fancied sides going into this year’s competition, particularly with the strength of their squad on paper.
Their midfield trio - Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves - has widely been seen as the best engine room at the tournament.
They take on a DR Congo side fresh off qualifying through the play-offs.
This is the first time they will play at the World Cup since become the Democratic Republic, and they defeated Nigeria in the African play-off final to book their place in North America.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Portugal vs DR Congo is scheduled for a 6pm BST kick-off today, Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
The match will take place at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Where to watch Portugal vs DR Congo for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 5.30pm BST.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer app or the channel’s website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer / ITVX app and their websites.
Portugal vs DR Congo team news
For the Portuguese, the main omissions from Martinez’s squad were predominantly Premier League-based.
The headlines were Tottenham midfielder Joao Palhinha and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, while Pedro Goncalves also did not make the plane.
Meanwhile, of the crop avaialble to the Spaniard, he has an embarrassment of riches to pick from, all across the pitch.
Portugal squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Tomas Araujo
Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos.
The DR Congo’s star players are also those from the Premier League.
Breakout Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki plays a key part in the engine room, while Chelsea fans might recognise Gael Kakuta’s name.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a shoo-in at right-back, while Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu will battle it out to lead the line.
DR Congo squad
Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo, Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi
Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika, Gedoon Kalulu, Steve Kapuadi, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Midfielders: Theo Bongonda, Brian Cipenga, Meshack Elia, Gael Kakuta, Edo Kayembe, Nathanael Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Noah Sadiki, Aaron Tshibola
Forwards: Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Fiston Mayele, Yoane Wissa.
Portugal vs DR Congo prediction
This should be a relatively straightforward victory for Portugal, but not all of the top sides have got off to perfect starts this summer.
Brazil and Spain have both dropped points already against lesser opposition, and Martinez’s side will be hoping that the same does not happen to them.
But with the sheer quality in their starting XI and throughout their ranks, they should coast past their African counterparts here.
Portugal to win, 3-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
This will be the first time these two countries have played each other.
Portugal vs DR Congo match odds
Odds via betting sites (subject to change).
