Portugal begin their World Cup 2026 campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday night in Houston.
Cristiano Ronaldo competes in a sixth consecutive World Cup, and the Portuguese skipper will be targeting a historic triumph in the only major competition he has not won.
Having qualified from a group with Hungary and the Republic of Ireland, Portugal will be the favourites to top a group which includes Uzbekistan and Colombia. Is Portugal v DR Congo on
As for DR Congo, it is their first appearance on the World Cup stage in 52 years, when they competed as Zaire. They qualified via a 1-0 win over Jamaica in an intercontinental playoff in March.
Here’s everything you need to know about this World Cup 2026 game:
When is Portugal vs DR Congo?
Portugal face DR Congo at 6pmBST on Wednesday 17 June (12pm CT) at the NRG Stadium in Houston.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on BBC 1, BBCiPlayer and the BBC Sport website, with coverage starting at 5:30pm BST.
Team news
Ronaldo was sent off in his last competitive match for Portugal but had the last two games of a three-match ban suspended by Fifa. Portugal have a fully-fit squad, including the PSG trio of Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Vitinha.
For DR Congo, they have no injury concerns and have a number of notable names, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Yoane Wissa.
Predicted line-ups
Portugal XI: D Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; J Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Neto
DR Congo XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Wissa, Bakambu
Latest odds
Portugal – 1/3
Draw – 5/1
DR Congo – 11/1
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