Portugal vs Congo DR World Cup Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Portugal to emerge victorious in Group K opener
Portugal begin their World Cup quest against Congo DR at NRG Stadium in Houston. With legendary Cristiano Ronaldo leading a star-studded team, Portugal are strong favorites, but have conceded in 15 of their last 20 matches. Congo DR, returning after 52 years, offer threat up front but remain underdogs. The article predicts both teams to score, with Portugal’s attacking power, especially Bruno Fernandes, expected to make the difference. Fans can catch the action live on bet365 (geo-restrictions apply).
- Portugal vs Congo DR predictions for Wednesday's World Cup Group K game
- Portugal tipped for the win, but haven't kept a clean sheet in 15 of last 20 games
- Bruno Fernandes to play a key role - can either score or assist
- The game is scheduled for kick off at 3.00am AEST on Thursday June 17
Portugal v Congo DR Live StreamWatch live online at bet365 > Soccer > FIFA World Cup 2026. T&Cs apply.
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Portugal vs Congo DR World Cup Tips, Prediction & Live Stream
Portugal begin their bid for a maiden World Cup trophy when they square off against Congo DR on Wednesday at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Arguably the most talented nation to never lift the World Cup, can Portugal go all the way this time around in North America in what is surely Cristiano Ronaldo's last major tournament?
However, while Ronaldo is undisputedly one of the GOATS, there's a genuine argument that he's limiting this Portugal side's potential with his lack of movement in the final third. With other world class attackers such as Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, Goncalo Ramos, Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao, you have to wonder if the Selecao das Quinas would be better off without him. But with a stunning 143 goals in 228 games, you can't possibly leave Ronaldo out. So we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.
Meanwhile, Congo DR are making their first appearance at a World Cup since they competed as Zaire back in 1974, coming through the playoffs and beating Jamaica 1-0 in March to secure their spot. While they are undoubtedly one of the minnow nations at this World Cup, they have some attacking threat with Betis striker Cedric Bakumbu and Newcastle winger Yoane Wissa, so the African nation could be dangerous going forward.
With Portugal conceding in 15 of their last 20 games, I like both teams to find the back of the net here - but Roberto Martinez's side should have too much firepower. Bruno Fernandes remains prolific for both club and country and will share the set piece/penalty duties with Ronaldo - he looks a good option for either a goal or assist.
Portugal vs Congo DR Stats & Trends
- Portugal have failed to keep a clean sheet in 15 of their last 20 games
- Portugal's last three World Cup openers have produced 15 total goals
- Portugal have scored exactly two goals in their last three wins
- Portugal have seen BTTS land in 10 of their last 12 wins
- Bruno Fernandes has registered a goal or assist in three of his last four games for club & country
- Fernandes had 21 assists & nine goals in 35 games for Man United this season & had three assists & two goals in five games at the 2022 World Cup
Portugal vs Congo Head To Head
This will be the first ever meeting between the two nations.
Portugal Form Analysis
Portugal were disappointing at Euro 2024, failing to really make an impact before going out on penalties to France in the quarter-finals.
However, Roberto Martinez's side bounced back with a strong Nations League performance, winning the trophy with back-to-back triumphs over Germany and Spain.
It was a routine qualifying campaign for Portugal and they come into this clash unbeaten in 12 of their last 13 games, winning 10 - including recent friendly victories over USA, Chile and Nigeria.
Portugal Team News
Ronaldo has played 228 games for his country and will once again lead the line at 41 years of age.
Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Vitinha all contributed to PSG winning the Champions League and should all feature here, along with Bruno Fernandes, who had a great season with Man United.
Portugal Squad
| Pos. | Player | Age | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Diogo Costa | 26 | 43 | 0 | Porto |
| GK | José Sá | 33 | 5 | 0 | Wolverhampton Wanderers |
| GK | Rui Silva | 32 | 3 | 0 | Sporting CP |
| DF | Nélson Semedo | 32 | 50 | 0 | Fenerbahçe |
| DF | Rúben Dias | 29 | 76 | 3 | Manchester City |
| DF | Tomás Araújo | 24 | 5 | 0 | Benfica |
| DF | Diogo Dalot | 27 | 35 | 3 | Manchester United |
| DF | Renato Veiga | 22 | 13 | 1 | Villarreal |
| DF | Gonçalo Inácio | 24 | 22 | 2 | Sporting CP |
| DF | João Cancelo | 32 | 68 | 12 | Barcelona |
| DF | Nuno Mendes | 23 | 44 | 1 | Paris Saint-Germain |
| MF | Matheus Nunes | 27 | 20 | 2 | Manchester City |
| MF | Bruno Fernandes | 31 | 89 | 29 | Manchester United |
| MF | Bernardo Silva | 31 | 109 | 14 | Manchester City |
| MF | João Neves | 21 | 22 | 3 | Paris Saint-Germain |
| MF | Rúben Neves | 29 | 67 | 1 | Al-Hilal |
| MF | Vitinha | 26 | 38 | 0 | Paris Saint-Germain |
| MF | Samú Costa | 25 | 6 | 0 | Mallorca |
| FW | Cristiano Ronaldo (c) | 41 | 228 | 143 | Al-Nassr |
| FW | Gonçalo Ramos | 24 | 25 | 10 | Paris Saint-Germain |
| FW | João Félix | 26 | 54 | 12 | Al-Nassr |
| FW | Francisco Trincão | 26 | 18 | 3 | Sporting CP |
| FW | Rafael Leão | 27 | 44 | 5 | Milan |
| FW | Pedro Neto | 26 | 25 | 3 | Chelsea |
| FW | Gonçalo Guedes | 29 | 34 | 8 | Real Sociedad |
| FW | Francisco Conceição | 23 | 17 | 4 | Juventus |
Congo DR Form Analysis
Congo DR have emerged as a premier nation in Africa over the last few years and will be eager to make a statement in their first World Cup in 52 years.
The Leopards made the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of the year and punched their ticket to North America by beating Jamaica 1-0 in extra-time in the intercontinental playoffs in March.
Since then, Congo earned a 0-0 draw with Denmark, but suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Chile.
Congo DR Team News
Newcastle United's Yoane Wissa and Real Betis' Cedric Bakambu are expected to start in a talented attack, while Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki should also feature.
Look for the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku to get some game time in defence.
Congo DR Squad
| Pos. | Player | Age | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Lionel Mpasi | 31 | 29 | 0 | Le Havre |
| GK | Timothy Fayulu | 26 | 3 | 0 | Noah |
| GK | Matthieu Epolo | 21 | 1 | 0 | Standard Liège |
| DF | Aaron Wan-Bissaka | 28 | 12 | 0 | West Ham United |
| DF | Steve Kapuadi | 28 | 4 | 0 | Widzew Łódź |
| DF | Axel Tuanzebe | 28 | 14 | 1 | Burnley |
| DF | Dylan Batubinsika | 30 | 14 | 1 | AEL |
| DF | Joris Kayembe | 31 | 26 | 1 | Genk |
| DF | Chancel Mbemba (c) | 31 | 109 | 7 | Lille |
| DF | Gédéon Kalulu | 28 | 28 | 0 | Aris Limassol |
| DF | Arthur Masuaku | 32 | 45 | 4 | Lens |
| MF | Ngal'ayel Mukau | 21 | 14 | 0 | Lille |
| MF | Nathanaël Mbuku | 24 | 19 | 2 | Montpellier |
| MF | Samuel Moutoussamy | 29 | 58 | 0 | Atromitos |
| MF | Brian Cipenga | 28 | 8 | 0 | Castellón |
| MF | Théo Bongonda | 30 | 38 | 7 | Spartak Moscow |
| MF | Gaël Kakuta | 34 | 31 | 5 | AEL |
| MF | Noah Sadiki | 21 | 20 | 0 | Sunderland |
| MF | Aaron Tshibola | 31 | 17 | 1 | Kilmarnock |
| MF | Charles Pickel | 29 | 34 | 1 | Espanyol |
| MF | Edo Kayembe | 28 | 43 | 2 | Watford |
| FW | Meschak Elia | 28 | 69 | 12 | Alanyaspor |
| FW | Cédric Bakambu | 35 | 70 | 21 | Real Betis |
| FW | Fiston Mayele | 31 | 37 | 6 | Pyramids |
| FW | Yoane Wissa | 29 | 38 | 9 | Newcastle United |
| FW | Simon Banza | 29 | 15 | 2 | Al Jazira |
Portugal vs Congo DR Live Stream
Watch and bet on Portugal vs Congo DR live football from the World Cup.
You can watch and bet on the match live at bet365 > Soccer > World Cup 2026 with the action available to stream on desktop and mobile.
Geo-restrictions apply, you'll need a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to gain access.
To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Note, under Australian law, Live Streaming on bet365 is exempt from Parts 3 and 4 of the Broadcasting Services (Online Content Service Provider Rules) 2018.
Verdict
Both teams are backed to find the back of the net, with Portugal coming away with the win and Fernandes contributing for a goal.
BTTS - Yes
Both Teams To Score
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Portugal & Yes
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Bruno Fernandes
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Portugal 2-1
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