Portugal vs Congo DR Key Stats: FIFA World Cup 2026
by Trystan Pugh ·
Below you can find key stats for Portugal vs Congo DR. From historical trends to player milestones, we have you covered for every match at FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada & Mexico!
- This is the first ever meeting between Portugal and Congo DR, with no previous encounters in either friendly or competitive play.
- Portugal are competing in a seventh consecutive FIFA World Cup. Ever-presents since the 2002 edition, the Seleçao das Quinas had only featured in two instalments of the tournament prior to the turn of the century.
- The Portuguese national team’s best campaign came in their debut appearance in 1966, when they clinched the final podium place. They came close to matching that achievement 40 years later, placing fourth at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s spot kick against Ghana opened Portugal’s account at Qatar 2022 and was the nation’s 50th goal in FIFA World Cup history. That effort saw the Madeira-born attacker become the first player to find the net in five editions of the FIFA World Cup, having been on the mark in the 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 tournaments.
- Portugal are unbeaten in their last five FIFA World Cup group stage matches against African opposition, recording four wins and a draw since a 3-1 loss to Morocco in their first such meeting in 1986.
- Portugal have lost only two of their last 15 FIFA World Cup group stage matches (W8 D5), though one of those defeats came most recently — a 2-1 loss to Korea Republic at Qatar 2022.
- Portugal have lost their opening fixture in only two of their eight FIFA World Cup appearances (W4 D2).
- Congo DR have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the second time, 52 years after their debut appearance at the 1974 finals, when they competed under the name Zaire. At that time, only two African nations had previously featured at the tournament: Egypt in 1934 and Morocco in 1970.
- Congo DR’s maiden FIFA World Cup campaign in 1974 (as Zaire) ended at the group stage after defeats to Scotland (2-0), Yugoslavia (9-0) and reigning champions Brazil (3-0).
- Congo DR booked their place at the 2026 finals through the FIFA Play‑Off Tournament, defeating Jamaica 1-0 after extra time.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is one of three players at the 2026 finals participating in a record sixth FIFA World Cup — the others being Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) and Lionel Messi (Argentina).
- At 41 years 132 days, Cristiano Ronaldo could become the second‑oldest outfield player ever to make a FIFA World Cup appearance, behind Roger Milla, who was 42 years 39 days when he played for Cameroon against Russia on 28 June 1994.
- An appearance for Cristiano Ronaldo would be his 23rd at the FIFA World Cup, moving him level with Italy’s Paolo Maldini in fourth place on the all‑time list.
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