Portugal vs DR Congo: DR Congo's 52-Year World Cup Return in Group K

Predictions

Everyone leans the same way: Portugal are expected to win comfortably, and the real question is whether DR Congo can mark their return with a goal.

• Our prediction: Portugal win 3-1, with DR Congo grabbing one on the break.
• Squawka: Portugal to win 2-0.
• CBS Sports: a controlled Portugal win, leaning over 2.5 goals.
• Betting market: Portugal around 77% to win, DR Congo around 8%, a draw around 17%.

Ronaldo's last dance

Portugal come into this tournament chasing one thing above all.

Cristiano Ronaldo is 41 years old and at his 6th World Cup.

That alone makes him the oldest player ever to appear at a World Cup.

He has won almost everything in the game: a Euro, 2 Nations League titles, and 5 Champions Leagues.

The World Cup is the one big trophy that has always slipped away.

This is almost certainly his last chance to win it.

So every time he walks out at this tournament, you are watching the closing act of one of the greatest careers football has ever seen.

DR Congo's 52-year return

DR Congo are living a fairy tale just by being here.

This is their first World Cup in 52 years.

The last time they made it was 1974, back when the country was called Zaire.

They earned their place the hard way, through the intercontinental playoff.

The team, known as the Leopards, is built around captain Chancel Mbemba, a centre-back at Lille who has played more games for DR Congo than any player in their history and is nicknamed the "Minister of Defense".

Up front they have real quality, with Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa their most dangerous attacker and veteran striker Cedric Bakambu of Real Betis as their top scorer.

West Ham right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka adds Premier League steel on the flank.

They are dangerous on the counter-attack, and against a team that loves the ball, that could matter.

Why Portugal are clear favorites

The gap on paper is large.

Portugal sit 6th in the FIFA rankings and DR Congo sit 56th.

Portugal also have one of the deepest squads at the whole tournament.

Behind Ronaldo sit Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Pedro Neto, Nuno Mendes and Joao Cancelo, with Diogo Costa in goal.

That is a list most countries can only dream of.

Coach Roberto Martinez wants his team to control the ball and break a deeper side down.

That is why we call a 3-1, with DR Congo grabbing one on the counter.

The market agrees and puts Portugal around 77% to win, with DR Congo around 8% and a draw around 17%.

For DR Congo, the target is simpler and just as proud.

Score a goal, give the country a moment, and the return becomes a story that gets told for decades.

What is at stake?

Group K also has Uzbekistan and Colombia, so there is plenty to play for.

Finish in the top 2 of the group and you go through.

Finish 3rd and you can still make it as one of the 8 best third-place teams.

Those teams reach the round of 32, the knockout stage where one loss sends you home.

Portugal will want a confident win here to set up a run at topping the group.

DR Congo know the realistic dream is to grab points where they can and steal one of those third-placed spots.

That is what makes a game like this so easy to love, because one side wants control and the other wants a miracle.

Where and when can you watch?

The game is today, Wednesday June 17 2026, at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Kickoff is 12:00 (12:00 PM) Central time.

You can also see all the details on the match page.

Still hunting a seat? Check our World Cup tickets guide.

Check your local World Cup broadcaster for the channel where you live.