Portugal vs DR Congo Prediction, Odds & Best Bets | FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with a fascinating Group K encounter as Portugal take on DR Congo in Houston on Wednesday.

For Portugal, this is the beginning of another quest to finally lift the one major trophy that has eluded them. Roberto Martinez’s side arrive in North America among the tournament favourites, boasting a squad packed with elite talent including Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias.

DR Congo, meanwhile, are enjoying a historic return to the World Cup after a 52-year absence. The Leopards qualified through the intercontinental playoffs and arrive determined to prove they belong on football’s biggest stage.

While Portugal are clear favourites, World Cups have a habit of producing surprises, and South African football fans will know better than most that underdogs can make life difficult for the giants.

Match Details:

• Match: Portugal vs DR Congo
• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group K
• Date: 17 June 2026
• Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
• Kick-off: 19:00 SAST

Portugal enter the tournament with genuine ambitions of going all the way.

Martinez has assembled one of the most balanced squads in the competition. Their midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Joao Neves offers creativity, control and energy, while Cristiano Ronaldo continues to provide leadership and goals despite entering his sixth World Cup campaign.

The Portuguese have also been strong in recent international fixtures and possess a solid World Cup group-stage record. Their ability to dominate possession and create chances from multiple areas of the pitch makes them one of the toughest teams to face in the tournament.

A convincing victory here would immediately put them in control of Group K before tougher tests against Colombia and Uzbekistan.

DR Congo’s return to the World Cup is one of the feel-good stories of the tournament.

Coach Sebastien Desabre has built a disciplined and hardworking side capable of frustrating stronger opponents. The squad contains several familiar names to Premier League and European football followers.

Yoane Wissa provides pace and finishing ability up front, while Cedric Bakambu brings valuable experience. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe add defensive quality and leadership.

The Leopards are unlikely to dominate possession against Portugal, but they possess enough athleticism and counter-attacking threat to create problems if given opportunities.

Portugal:

Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Inacio, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto.

DR Congo:

Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Wissa, Bakambu.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s focal point in attack and will look to exploit any defensive lapses.

Mbemba’s experience and physicality will be crucial if DR Congo are to keep Portugal at bay. If the veteran defender can help limit Portugal’s chances in the opening stages, the Leopards could grow into the match.

• Portugal Win: 1.25
• Draw: 5.75
• DR Congo Win: 12.00
• Over 2.5 Goals: 1.75
• Both Teams to Score – No: 1.67
• Cristiano Ronaldo Anytime Goalscorer: 1.95

Odds are approximate at the time of writing and may vary by bookmaker. If you’re unsure about how odds work, take the time to read our guide on understanding betting odds.

Portugal to Win & Under 4.5 Goals @ 1.70 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Portugal should control the match, but DR Congo’s defensive organisation could prevent the scoreline from becoming a rout. This selection offers an excellent balance between value and probability.

Portugal 3-0 DR Congo

Portugal possess too much quality throughout the squad and should eventually wear down the Congolese resistance. DR Congo may remain competitive early on, but Portugal’s superior technical ability, depth and attacking options should prove decisive.

Expect Ronaldo and company to begin their World Cup campaign with three points and a convincing victory.