Preview: Portugal vs DR Congo – latest news, line-ups, absences (17/06/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Portugal vs DR Congo in Group C at the 2026 World Cup
Portugal get their 2026 World Cup campaign underway on Wednesday, June 17, when they take on DR Congo at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Roberto Martínez’s side are among the favourites to claim their first ever World Cup title, and will look to lay down an early marker against one of the biggest outsiders in the tournament.
The match kicks off at 18:00 BST, in a David vs Goliath matchup where a big scoreline would put Portugal firmly in the driving seat to top Group K due to the new expanded format, before Colombia and Uzbekistan face off in the group’s other clash on Thursday.
Latest news: absences, form, team news
All eyes will be on Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo who is aiming to bid farewell to the international scene with the biggest prize of all. At 41 years of age, Ronaldo will be making a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, and is almost certain to lead the line for his country despite his age. While Ronaldo holds the biggest reputation, Portugal have a star-studded line-up, with the likes Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha crucial to the fluidity of the side.
DR Congo, on the other hand, enter the tournament with no pressure, aiming to enjoy their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. While underdogs, Sébastien Desabre’s team possess plenty of quality players familiar to a European audience, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Gaël Kakuta and Yoane Wissa among their ranks.
Portugal
Portugal enter the tournament without any major injury concerns. PSG stars Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and João Neves competed in the Champions League final on May 30, allowing them less rest than their international teammates, but are all fit and healthy to participate against Congo. Cristiano Ronaldo is raring to go as ever, while Rafael Leão, Francisco Conceição, Pedro Neto and Bernardo Silva will be competing for the two spots on the wing to complement the captain.
DR Congo
DR Congo are sweating on the fitness of their goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who suffered a knock in training on Saturday. Reports claim that Mpasi felt a problem with his shin over the weekend, although the extent of the issue is not yet known. Other than that, there are no major concerns for the African nation, who will be looking to the likes of former Manchester United defenders Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe to marshal the backline against one of the most dangerous attacks in the competition.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
Portugal and DR Congo have never previously met in international football, neither in a friendly match nor an official competition, making Wednesday’s encounter a truly historic one.
Predicted line-ups
For Portugal, the selection headache for Martinez is due to an excess of talent rather than a shortage of one. The European giants have one of the best midfield trios, if not the best, in the whole tournament in the form of João Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes. While defender Ruben Dias is typically a starter, a hamstring injury kept him out of the Manchester City line-up for much of the season run-in, leaving his match fitness in slight doubt. Then
there is the question of who starts at right-back, with Matheus Nunes becoming a regular for City in that position, and João Cancelo arriving on the back of a superb loan spell with FC Barcelona.
For Congo, a big decision will surround whether they opt for an ultra-defensive line-up aiming for damage limitation against a quality nation, or if they stick to their guns and attempt to spring a surprise. With attackers like Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa and Meschak Elia being usual starters, it remains to be seen if one or even two will be replaced by a more defensive-minded player.
Tactical analysis: DR Congo’s low block against Portugal’s pace
With the likes of Vitinha and Bernardo Silva, Portugal will be monopolising possession
throughout most of the game. Congo are unlikely to move too far outside of their own half in the early stages, maintaining a low-block intent on limiting the threat of Portugal’s fast wingers.
But Portugal have a wide variety of qualities to break down a stubborn backline: if Congo sit back, Portugal can attempt long shots through Bruno Fernandes or Cristiano Ronaldo. If Congo press high, Portugal have the pace to play in-behind. And even against a low-block, crossers like Cancelo can play balls into the box while Vitinha can thread passes through the eye of a needle.
Where Congo can exploit is on the break, due to their pacey options, while set pieces can also prove a problem to Portugal with the aggression of Mbemba in aerial situations.
Key players to watch
Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
Bruno Fernandes has been competing on another level this past season with Manchester United, rightfully claiming the Premier League player of the season award. Everything runs through the right-boot of the Red Devils skipper, who can create play from deep, pick locks in the final third and deliver devastating set-pieces. His 21 assists this season, a Premier League record, demonstrates his unselfishness. If Portugal are going to be successful, it will depend on the form of Fernandes more than anyone.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo)
Wan-Bissaka has his weak points and may not offer much of an attacking threat from right-back, but his one-on-one defensive capabilities are unquestionable. The West Ham United defender is renowned for his pace and accurate slide-tackling, earning a reputation as one of the best defensive full-backs in England. He relishes the individual battle, and Congo stand a much better chance of a surprise if Wan-Bissaka has a good game.
Where to watch Portugal vs DR Congo in the UK and Ireland
Portugal vs DR Congo kicks off at 18:00 BST on Wednesday, June 17 at NRG Stadium (Houston Stadium) in Texas.
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on BBC One and available to stream via BBC iPlayer
In the Republic of Ireland, the game will be available through RTÉ’s World Cup coverage and RTÉ Player.
Market insights and probability predictions
Portugal are clear favourites to win this game, entering the match as the overwhelming favourite with an implied win probability of 76%. Congo hold just a 10% likelihood of winning the game while a draw probability sits at 14%. The goals markets suggest a high-scoring game in favour of Portugal, with over 2.5 goals bringing modest odds of 4/6.
