Portugal begin their 2026 World Cup campaign on Wednesday evening when they face DR Congo in Group K.
With Colombia and Uzbekistan also in the group, Roberto Martinez’s side will be determined to make a strong start and avoid any early slip-ups in what is expected to be a competitive section.
Portugal arrive at the tournament as one of Europe’s most dangerous teams. Led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo and supported by a squad packed with elite talent, including Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Vitinha and Bernardo Silva, they possess quality across every area of the pitch.
Martinez’s side enjoyed a strong qualifying campaign and have continued to impress in recent international fixtures, regularly dominating possession and creating chances against high-level opposition.
DR Congo, meanwhile, are making their first World Cup appearance since 1974 and have already achieved history by reaching the tournament. The Leopards came through a difficult African qualifying section and boast several players competing in Europe’s top leagues, including Yoane Wissa, Chancel Mbemba and Simon Banza.
However, this is a huge step up in class.
Portugal will view this as a must-win game before tougher tests against Colombia and Uzbekistan later in the group stage.
Portugal to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Portugal’s attacking options should prove too strong for DR Congo over the course of 90 minutes.
The 2016 European champions have scored freely throughout the past two years and possess multiple players capable of producing moments of quality in the final third. While DR Congo have enough pace to threaten on the counter-attack, they may struggle to cope with the movement and creativity of Portugal’s forward line.
If Portugal find an early breakthrough, the game could quickly open up.
Combining a Portugal victory with over 2.5 goals looks one of the strongest betting angles in this fixture.
Cristiano Ronaldo Anytime Goalscorer
Even at this stage of his career, Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal’s biggest goal threat.
The veteran forward continues to deliver for his country and heads into another World Cup looking to add to one of the greatest international goalscoring records in football history.
Whether from penalties, free-kicks or open play, Ronaldo remains the focal point of Portugal’s attack. Against a DR Congo defence expected to spend long periods under pressure, opportunities should arrive.
If Portugal score multiple goals, there is a strong chance their captain will be among them.
Score Prediction: Portugal 3-0 DR Congo
