Portugal vs DR Congo Predicted Lineups for the 2026 World Cup – The 2026 FIFA World Cup once again presents an exciting group-stage match, this time featuring Portugal and DR Congo in the opening match of Group K.

Portugal arrive as one of the strongest contenders for the title thanks to their star-studded squad, while DR Congo are determined to create an upset in their appearance on the world stage.

The match is scheduled to take place at Houston Stadium on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM local time.

Portugal's journey in pursuit of glory at the 2026 World Cup will begin on Wednesday when they open their Group K campaign against DR Congo.

Selecao das Quinas have never won the World Cup, but they are expected to be one of the serious contenders for the title this summer considering the quality of their squad.

Now, before the match begins, let us take a look at Mansion Sports' prediction for the Portugal vs DR Congo predicted lineups for the 2026 World Cup below!

Team News Ahead of the Match

Portugal

Portugal's best achievement at the World Cup finals came in 1966 when they finished in third place.

Since then, the national team's journey has not always been smooth, with their next-best achievements being a fourth-place finish in 2006 and a quarter-final appearance at the most recent edition in Qatar.

Selecao das Quinas can be said to have fallen short of expectations in this competition considering the quality of the squads they have possessed in recent years.

They do have a major international title after winning Euro 2016, but this is the trophy that Cristiano Ronaldo desires the most.

Roberto Martinez's side are strong favorites to top Group K, which also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan.

They enter the 2026 World Cup on the back of three consecutive friendly victories against the United States, Chile, and Nigeria.

Portugal concluded their qualifying campaign with a dominant 9-1 victory over Armenia. However, they did suffer a defeat to the Republic of Ireland late last year, leaving some questions about their ability to genuinely compete for the trophy this summer.

History will be made on Wednesday when Portugal and DR Congo meet for the first time.

If Portugal fail to defeat the Leopards in Houston, the result would be considered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

DR Congo

DR Congo managed to hold Denmark to a goalless draw in one of their two World Cup warm-up friendlies in early June, but they lost 2-1 to Chile in their most recent match.

The Leopards qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 52 years after an extra-time goal from Axel Tuanzebe secured a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the inter-confederation playoff final in Mexico in March.

DR Congo reached the Round of 16 at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations and have won two of their last four matches, suffering only one defeat during that period.

The expanded World Cup format certainly provides a greater opportunity for Sebastien Desabre's side to reach the knockout stage, as a single group-stage victory could potentially be enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Portugal will be DR Congo's toughest test in Group K, and their match against Uzbekistan on June 27 could become a decisive fixture in determining whether they progress further.

Portugal vs DR Congo Predicted Lineups for the 2026 World Cup

Portugal (4-3-3)

For Portugal's squad condition, they have no injury concerns heading into this match, and there does not appear to be any major surprises expected in their starting lineup.

Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41 years old, is expected to lead the attack in what would be his 229th appearance for the national team.

Ronaldo will be aiming to add to his tally of 143 international goals this summer and improve on his relatively disappointing record at the 2022 World Cup, where he scored only once.

The Al-Nassr striker received a red card against the Republic of Ireland in a qualifier late last year, but the suspension for the second and third matches was suspended for one year because it was the veteran's first red card in his previous 225 international appearances.

Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, and Vitinha are certain starters after helping Paris Saint-Germain win the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, while Bruno Fernandes, who enjoyed an outstanding season with Manchester United, will also start from the opening whistle.

DR Congo (5-3-2)

For DR Congo's squad condition, they have several recognizable names, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, and Arthur Masuaku, who are expected to feature in a five-man defensive setup.

Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki could play in midfield, while two key players in attack are Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa and Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu.

Bakambu is the top scorer in the squad with 21 goals, while Wissa, who endured a difficult season with Newcastle last year, has scored nine goals for the national team.

This match is expected to be an intriguing contest as it pits one of the tournament favorites against a rising African representative.

For those looking for information regarding the Portugal vs DR Congo Predicted Lineups for the 2026 World Cup, this encounter will provide Portugal with an opportunity to demonstrate their credentials as title contenders, while DR Congo will aim to offer their strongest resistance in pursuit of qualification to the next stage.