Ronaldo's last big dance? Prediction for Portugal vs DR Congo - 17.06.2026
On Wednesday, one of the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup group stage will take place at NRG Stadium in Houston, where Portugal will face DR Congo. For Roberto Martinez's team, it's the start of a tournament full of ambition and possibly the last major campaign for Cristiano Ronaldo, while the Congolese are making their World Cup return after 52 years and will look to challenge the favorite right from the start.
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Portugal: Martinez's powerful squad and defensive questions
Portugal comes into the World Cup unbeaten in their last four friendlies. Roberto Martinez's side drew 0-0 with Mexico, beat the USA 2-0, and then defeated both Chile and Nigeria 2-1, with the coach actively experimenting with different combinations in each match.
The main intrigue surrounds the attacking flanks and the right side of the defense. In midfield, Portugal boasts Vitinha, Neves, and Bruno Fernandes, with Ronaldo almost certain to lead the line. The wide attacking spots are up for grabs between Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceição, and Rafael Leão, whose sending off against Chile certainly didn't help his case.
DR Congo: Returning after half a century and a team tough to break down
DR Congo prepared for the tournament in challenging circumstances: due to an epidemic back home, the team trained abroad and played friendlies in Europe. They drew 0-0 with Denmark and lost 1-2 to Chile under Sébastien Desabre, but showed resilience and again proved they can hold their shape against strong opposition.
The Congolese's main strength is their discipline off the ball. In their last ten matches, DR Congo have conceded only five goals, and in attack, they can rely on Wissa, Bakambu, and Bongonda—players capable of punishing Portugal in transition, especially if the favorite again leaves space behind the defense.
Probable lineups
- Portugal: Costa, Dias, Veiga, Mendes, Dalot, Vitinha, Neves, Neto, Fernandes, Conceição, Ronaldo.
- DR Congo: Mpasi-Nzau, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka, Masuaku, Moutoussamy, Bongonda, Mukau, Sadiki, Wissa, Bakambu.
Match facts and head-to-heads
- Portugal are unbeaten in their last four friendlies, including wins over the USA, Chile, and Nigeria.
- DR Congo return to the World Cup after 52 years, coming into the tournament with an impressive defensive record.
- Portugal have conceded in five of their last seven matches, while DR Congo have scored in ten of their last twelve games.
- At least 9 corners have been awarded in regular time in 11 of Portugal's last 14 World Cup matches.
- Portugal have not received more than 1 yellow card in regular time in 10 of their last 13 World Cup games.
Class of the favorite vs African discipline: Portugal vs DR Congo prediction
DR Congo does not look like an opponent Portugal can simply steamroll with possession alone. Desabre's team is compact, physically strong, and dangerous on the counter, while Portugal's defense has been less than flawless in recent months.
But Portugal simply has too much quality in the final third: Bruno Fernandes between the lines, the pace of Neto and Conceição, Ronaldo's experience, and a powerful left flank with Nuno Mendes give Martinez several ways to unlock a tight block. The Congolese will have their moments, but over the course of the match, the favorite's class should ultimately prevail.
