Portugal vs Congo DR Preview: Team News & Prediction | FIFA World Cup 2026 | Group Stage
One of the real leading contenders for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Portugal, as they take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Group K opener.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – BBC / USA – FOX Sports
How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer & the BBC Sport website & app / USA – FOX One
Portugal preview: Strong Portuguese squad
Roberto Martinez has a star-studded squad at his disposal and, in charge of another so-called 'golden generation' after previously being Belgium manager for their late-2010s era, there is a bit of pressure on the former Wigan Athletic and Everton boss to deliver.
The Portuguese put in impressive victories home and away against Armenia in qualification but their level of performance, and even return of results, was fairly underwhelming against even mediocre opposition in Hungary and Ireland.
Congo DR preview: Exciting qualifiers
Having ran Senegal extremely close, and even been unfortunate to finish just below them in CAF qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026, the Democratic Republic of Congo fought hard through three tough play-offs to make it to North America.
Congo DR defeated Cameroon with a last-gasp winner before a penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in their CAF play-off final. That led them to an Inter-Confederation Play-off against Jamaica in the spring, which they squeezed through with a 1-0 win, courtesy of an Axel Tuanzebe goal.
Portugal team news
Team news will appear here closer to the match…
Predicted XI (X-X-X-X): TBC
Unavailable: TBC
Questionable: TBC
Congo DR team news
Team news will appear here closer to the match…
Predicted XI (X-X-X-X): TBC
Unavailable: TBC
Questionable: TBC
Portugal’s top FIFA World Cup Fantasy assets
Nuno Mendes ($5.8m) – Defender
Bruno Fernandes ($8.5m) – Midfielder
Cristiano Ronaldo ($10.0m) – Forward
Matchday 1 captain pick: Bruno Fernandes
Set-piece duty
Penalties: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes
Free kicks: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes
Corners: Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes
Congo DR's top FIFA World Cup Fantasy assets
Aaron Wan-Bissaka ($4.3m) – Defender
Axel Tuanzebe ($4.0m) – Defender
Yoane Wissa ($6.2m) – Forward
Matchday 1 captain pick: Yoane Wissa
Set-piece duty
Penalties: Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu
Free kicks: Yoane Wissa, Gael Kakuta
Corners: Arthur Masuaku, Gael Kakuta
Key stats
- Portugal are competing in a seventh consecutive FIFA World Cup. Ever-presents since the 2002 edition, the Selecao 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 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).
- 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.
Click here for EVEN MORE stats & facts about this fixture!
Portugal vs Congo DR prediction
It may appear to be a bit of a one-sided clash on paper, but that may not be how it turns out. Portugal really should still win and they will probably win with a clean sheet, too. However, Portugal proved that middling European nations were a pain for them in the autumn, and Congo DR will believe they can more than match the level of Hungary and Ireland. A Portuguese victory is the best bet but it wouldn't be a shock if it was a bit more slender a margin than many expect.
Portugal vs Congo DR betting tip: Portugal to win & under 3.5 goals
