Portugal vs DR Congo Prediction: Ronaldo’s Sixth World Cup Starts
Preview, published 17 June 2026. Kick-off 1pm ET, NRG Stadium, Houston.
Update: Portugal drew 1-1. Read the full match report.
Portugal vs DR Congo opens Group K, and our prediction is a comfortable Portugal win, 2-0, as Roberto Martinez’s side begin among the favourites against a DR Congo team back at a World Cup for the first time since 1974. Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, is set for a record sixth World Cup, with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings behind him after a record-breaking club season.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Portugal vs DR Congo, World Cup 2026 Group K |
| Kick-off | 1pm ET, 17 June |
| Venue | NRG Stadium, Houston |
| Watch (US) | Fox / FS1; Telemundo, stream on Peacock |
| Watch (UK) | BBC / ITV, free-to-air |
| Our prediction | Portugal 2-0 DR Congo |
What is at stake
Portugal are among the tournament’s strongest squads and will want a fast start in a group also featuring Colombia and Uzbekistan. DR Congo, coached by Sebastien Desabre, are the romantic story, back on the biggest stage after a 52-year absence, and they will set up to frustrate and counter rather than trade blows.
Players to watch
Portugal’s attack is loaded. Bruno Fernandes arrives off a season in which he set a Premier League single-campaign assist record, and Bernardo Silva adds control and guile. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the headline, chasing more history at a sixth World Cup. For DR Congo, the pace of Yoane Wissa is their main outlet, with the experienced Chancel Mbemba marshalling the defence. One note: Rafael Leao saw red in a warm-up win over Chile, so his availability is worth watching.
Our Portugal vs DR Congo prediction and verdict
This should be a routine opening win for Portugal. DR Congo will defend in numbers and look to spring Wissa on the break, but Portugal have too much quality across the pitch. We expect them to break through after the interval and see it out, so our call is 2-0. Anything less would count as a mild surprise given the gulf in squad depth.
What is next
Group K continues with Uzbekistan against Colombia later the same day. Follow the table on our standings page, see the rest of the day in our June 17 preview, and the format in our complete World Cup 2026 guide. Read what actually happened in our Portugal 1-1 DR Congo match report.
Frequently asked questions
What is the prediction for Portugal vs DR Congo?
Our prediction is a 2-0 Portugal win. Roberto Martinez’s side are among the favourites, while DR Congo are at their first World Cup since 1974 and likely to defend deep.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing against DR Congo?
Ronaldo, 41, is expected to feature in what would be a record sixth World Cup for the Portugal captain, leading an attack that also includes Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva.
When and where is Portugal vs DR Congo?
It kicks off at 1pm ET on 17 June 2026 at NRG Stadium in Houston, live on Fox or FS1 in the US and free-to-air on the BBC or ITV in the UK.
Sources: Opta Analyst preview.
