Portugal vs DR Congo – Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. will be chasing the elusive FIFA World Cup title in Houston

Portugal’s latest bid for World Cup glory begins on Wednesday in Houston when the country takes on the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group K against a side making its first World Cup appearance in 52 years.

DR Congo played as Zaire when it participated in the 1974 World Cup, but lost all three matches, conceding fourteen goals and scoring none.

Meanwhile, Portugal have 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo looking to win one of the last remaining pieces of major silverware that has eluded him in his illustrious career.

The country exited the quarter-finals at the hands of another African side, Morocco in 2022, while its best result was third place in 1966. A positive start is important in a group that also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan.

They have lost just two of their last 15 World Cup group matches, but one of those was against South Korea in 2022.

Portugal are unbeaten in their last five World Cup group matches against African opponents, recording four wins and a draw since their 3-1 defeat to Morocco in 1986.

DRC has had a disrupted run-up to the tournament due to the outbreak of the Ebola virus in its own country.

The majority of their players are based in Europe, and none play for clubs in the DRC, but were subjected to a 21-day stay in a camp in Belgium and Spain before being allowed into the United States.

The team has since been well received in Houston and looks relaxed and ready for the tournament, despite a 0-0 draw against Denmark and a 1-2 defeat against Chile in friendlies.

DRC booked its ticket to this year’s final through the World Cup intercontinental play-off tournament, beating Jamaica 1-0 in extra time.

(With input from Reuters)

Published on June 17, 2026