Portugal vs DR Congo | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group Stage | Preview and Predictions

Top contenders and European giants Portugal will face African side DR Congo in their opening World Cup fixture on 17th June at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. 

For the game, here we present our preview and prediction.

FIFA WC26 | Group K: POR vs COD | 22:30 IST, June 17, 2026

Portugal’s talismanic footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo might be playing his last World Cup and will be leading a very talented Portuguese outfit at the World Cup this time with the hope of adding the World Cup to his glittering collection of major silverware.

Portugal qualified for the World Cup automatically after topping their UEFA qualifier group with four wins, one draw and a solitary defeat. This is their ninth World Cup appearance in their history. As for their opponents, DR Congo overcame five decades of frustration, qualifying for the World Cup defeating Jamaica 1-0 in the final of the play-off tournament. This is their second World Cup appearance after 1974. 

As for personnel, João Palhinha has been ruled out due to a muscle tear during international duty and António Silva has been left out due to massive competition in the backline. A few key players like Vitinha, Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes had injury scares in recent months but they have been declared fit for the opening fixture. DR Congo have a fully fit squad available as well. However, they had to cancel training camp at home due to a recent Ebola outbreak in their country and had to shift base to Europe for their preparation. 

Looking at their recent form, Portugal will go into this game unbeaten in their last five encounters with four wins and a draw while DR Congo has suffered two losses and won three games out of their last five. Coming to this match-up, these two nations have never faced each other in a game, not even a friendly match so there will be an element of surprise for both sides. 

Portugal will go into this game as the overwhelming favourites and looking at the quality in every position, this should be a comfortable win for them. Having said that, the underdog teams have punched above their weight so far and DR Congo would try to make it as difficult for Portugal as possible. We still believe, Portugal possesses enough firepower to grab the three points with relative ease. 

Score Prediction: Portugal 2-0 DR Congo 

Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA