FIFA World Cup: Portugal vs DR Congo 17.06.2026 Betting Preview

By Espinho Santos · World Cup 2026 Analyst

Fifty-two years. That is how long DR Congo have waited for this moment. Their return to the World Cup — they last appeared as Zaire in 1974 — begins on Wednesday, June 17 at NRG Stadium in Houston against Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions and one of the tournament’s leading contenders. For Cristiano Ronaldo, it is a record sixth World Cup. For the Leopards, it is a first appearance in over half a century, sealed in the most dramatic fashion imaginable: a 100th-minute winner from Axel Tuanzebe against Jamaica in March.

Portugal vs DR Congo in a match from the World Cup 26.

Portugal Team News & Preview

Roberto Martínez names his squad in the shadow of grief. The legendary Diogo Jota — who died in a car accident in June — was included as an honorary 27th player, a gesture from a manager who built something special with this group. The football itself carries genuine weight: Portugal are the reigning Nations League champions, ranked fifth in the world, and have the squad depth to go very deep in this tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo captains the side at 41, chasing the one major trophy that has always eluded him. His form at club level has been inconsistent, but his tournament record and big-game instinct remain undiminished. Around him, Bruno Fernandes is the engine — driving from midfield, taking set pieces, and carrying leadership responsibility at Manchester United. Vitinha provides the metronome role from PSG, while the attack beyond Ronaldo is stacked with options: Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceição, Gonçalo Ramos and João Félix all provide different tools. The one fitness concern worth monitoring is Ronaldo himself, who missed March’s friendlies with a hamstring strain but was confirmed fit for the opener.

DR Congo Team News & Preview

Sébastien Desabre has overseen an extraordinary journey since taking charge in 2022 — navigating a CAF qualifying group, surviving a penalty shootout against Nigeria, and then watching his captain Chancel Mbemba score the winning penalty in the inter-confederation playoff final. The Lille centre-back is the bedrock of the defence with 107 caps, while the attacking threat comes primarily from two sources.

Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United is the Leopards’ most dangerous forward — fast, clinical, and coming off five consistent Premier League seasons. Cédric Bakambu at 35 brings experience and sits just one goal short of the national scoring record at Real Betis. In defence, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe — both former Premier League players who switched allegiance from England — bring genuine quality to the backline. This is a diaspora-built squad: Wissa, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, and Noah Sadiki all played in the Premier League this season. The average age is 26 and every single player will be appearing at their first World Cup.

The Gap in Class

Portugal and DR Congo have never met before at senior international level. There is no precedent to draw from, and this match is ultimately about the gap in squad quality more than any tactical battle. Portugal are ranked 28 places above the Leopards and have three times the combined squad value.

That said, DR Congo are not merely making up the numbers. Their qualification required genuine resilience, and they arrive with Premier League players throughout the spine of the side. If Wissa is given space to run behind Portugal’s defence, he can cause problems for any backline in the world.

  • Portugal have won their last five competitive openers at major tournaments, scoring at least twice in each
  • DR Congo have never played a senior competitive fixture against a top-ten ranked nation in their history
  • Ronaldo’s fitness — having missed March friendlies with a hamstring strain — is the one genuine question mark heading into the opener

Betting Verdict

Portugal should win this comfortably. The squad quality, European pedigree and home Nations League form make them a significant step above anything DR Congo have faced. Martínez will want a professional performance that sends a message early in the group, and with Leão, Fernandes and Ramos all available alongside Ronaldo, the attacking options are considerable.

Betting Tip: Portugal to Win & Over 2.5 Goals

A comfortable Portugal victory with multiple goals is the most probable outcome. DR Congo will show moments of quality on the counter but lack the defensive organisation to contain Portugal for ninety minutes.