Cristiano Ronaldo and PSG’s Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha start for Portugal v DR Congo | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo will start his sixth World Cup for Portugal against DR Congo at 19:00, becoming the second player after Lionel Messi to feature at six tournaments. According to L'Équipe, his selection comes for the Seleção’s 2026 opener.

Roberto Martinez has named a largely predictable side. Ronaldo, 41, leads the line and is set to become the oldest player to appear at a World Cup match. He has been chosen ahead of PSG forward Gonçalo Ramos.

Tiago Araújo and Ruben Veiga form the centre-back pairing. Ruben Dias is among the substitutes, as are Gonçalo Inacio, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves, Joao Félix and Rafael Leao.

Portugal XI: D. Costa, Cancelo, T. Araujo, R. Veiga, N. Mendes, B. Fernandes, J. Neves, Vitinha, B. Silva, C. Ronaldo (captain), Neto.

DR Congo, coached by Frenchman Sébastien Desabre, line up in a five-three-two with Chancel Mbemba marshalling the defence and Arthur Masuaku at left wing-back. Ngal'ayel Mukau joins Samuel Moutoussamy and Edo Kayembe in midfield, with Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu up front.

DR Congo XI: Mpasi, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, C. Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku, Mukau, Moutoussamy, E. Kayembe, Wissa, Bakambu.

Source: L'Équipe