Portugal vs DR Congo World Cup 2026 Tips - 17 June
Portugal face DR Congo in the Group K opener at NRG Stadium, Houston. Cristiano Ronaldo at his sixth and final World Cup. DR Congo at their first since 1974.
- Portugal vs DR Congo at NRG Stadium, Houston. Kickoff is 19:00 SAST on Wednesday 17 June (1pm ET).
- Group K opener. Portugal arrive as one of the pre-tournament European favourites with the most experienced squad in international football.
- Cristiano Ronaldo at 41 plays his sixth and final World Cup. DR Congo at their first World Cup since 1974 - 52 years between appearances.
Portugal face DR Congo in the Group K opener at NRG Stadium, Houston on Wednesday 17 June, kickoff 19:00 SAST. Portugal arrive as European pre-tournament favourites with Cristiano Ronaldo at his sixth and final World Cup - one of the most settled squads in international football. DR Congo are back at the tournament after a 52-year absence. The romantic story but the gap in level is real. The market has Portugal heavily favoured. The interest sits in the team total, asian handicap and Ronaldo prop.
The Pick Card
Prices from Hollywoodbets, Betway and Easybet. 18+. T&Cs apply.
| Selection | Bookmaker | Odds | Stake | Operator CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal -2.0 Asian Handicap | Hollywoodbets | @1.85 | 3 Units | Visit Site |
| Over 2.5 Goals | Betway | @1.55 | 3 Units | Visit Site |
| Cristiano Ronaldo Anytime Scorer | Easybet | @1.80 | 3 Units | Visit Site |
The Form Line
Portugal came through European qualifying without losing a match. The Bernardo Silva-Bruno Fernandes-Ronaldo spine has been the most settled in international football for years. The squad depth at every position is the strongest of any European side outside France and Spain. Hollywoodbets and Betway have Portugal at 1.25 to 1.35 to win.
DR Congo qualified through CAF as a fifth-seed and arrive at their first World Cup since 1974. The attacking line has the European-league quality of Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa but the defensive numbers are the worry against a side of Portugal's level.
Head to Head
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| No prior senior meeting | First competitive fixture |
No prior meeting. No history to read.
Team News
Portugal expected to start Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva. Roberto Martinez has used the same XI through qualifying. DR Congo will lean on Bakambu and Wissa. Confirmed lineups ninety minutes before kick-off. Check the Easybet match centre.
Verdict
Portugal should win by a margin. Ronaldo at his final tournament will want to mark the opener with a goal - his record in opening fixtures is excellent. Three picks: Portugal -2.0 AH with Hollywoodbets, over 2.5 goals with Betway, and Ronaldo anytime scorer with Easybet.
18+. Gamble responsibly. If gambling is becoming a problem, contact the SA Responsible Gambling Foundation on 0800 006 008.