Portugal vs DR Congo: World Cup 2026 prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds | OneFootball

Portugal are much-fancied by many for success in North America

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.

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.

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.

Portugal vs DR Congo is scheduled for a 6pm BST kick-off on 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.

Decisions to be made: Roberto Martinez

Getty

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.

As for the DR Congo, their best players are

DR Congo squad

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.

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

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.

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

Portugal to win: 2/9

DR Congo to win: 9/1

Draw: 7/2

We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Standard a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK's best online gambling companies.

Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.

Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.