/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballwhispers.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F06%2Fimago1078414904-2.jpg)
Portugal begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Congo DR on Wednesday, with the Group K clash marking the African nation's first appearance at the finals since 1974.
Despite never winning the World Cup, Roberto Martinez's side arrive with one of the tournament's strongest squads and are widely regarded as contenders for the title.
Congo DR head into the tournament on the back of an impressive run, having lost just one competitive match since September 2025. The Leopards were knocked out in the Round of 16 at the last Africa Cup of Nations and will be looking to make a positive start against the group favourites.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Portugal vs Congo DR key stats
- Portugal have won their last three matches.
- Each of Congo DR's last seven matches has produced under 10.5 corners.
- Portugal have scored the opening goal in four of their last five matches.
Portugal vs Congo DR preview: Last chance for Cristiano Ronaldo to lift World Cup
| Portugal | vs | Congo DR |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | FIFA Ranking | 46th |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (228) | Most Caps | Chancel Mbemba (109) |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (143) | Most Goals | Cedric Bakambu (21) |
| 1160 | Total Caps | 259 |
| 796 | Total Goals | 82 |
| No | Uncapped Players | No |
Portugal's best World Cup finish remains their third-place result in 1966, while they also reached the semi-finals in 2006 before exiting in the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago.
Martinez's side are expected to top Group K, which also features Colombia and Uzbekistan. Portugal head into the tournament in strong form, having won their final three warm-up matches against the USA, Chile and Nigeria.
The Selecao das Quinas also ended their qualifying campaign in emphatic fashion, recording a 9-1 victory over Armenia, and topped their group after losing just once from six games.
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo still remains the focal point of the attack, and this is definitely going to be his final chance to lift the World Cup. The veteran forward is set to make his 229th international appearance and will be aiming to add to his remarkable tally of 143 goals for his nation.
Portugal also boast plenty of quality behind Ronaldo, with Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Vitinha arriving after helping Paris Saint-Germain win the 2025-26 Champions League. Manchester United hero Bruno Fernandes is also expected to play a key role after another impressive campaign at club level.
DR Congo secured their place at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years when Axel Tuanzebe's extra-time winner sealed a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off final back in March.
Sebastien Desabre's side have shown they can be competitive against strong opposition, holding Denmark to a goalless draw in a pre-tournament friendly before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Chile.
There is plenty of experience in the squad, with Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku all expected to feature in defence, while Noah Sadiki is likely to start in midfield.
Likewise, Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu are set to provide the main attacking threat, with the latter arriving as the squad's leading scorer on 21 international goals, while the Newcastle forward has found the net nine times for his country.
While Portugal are expected to be their toughest opponents, their final group match against Uzbekistan could prove decisive. Both sides are meeting for the first time in their history, and it would go down as one of the biggest shocks in the competition if the Leopards pick up all three points in Houston.
Portugal vs Congo DR form guide & betting tips
| Portugal | vs | Congo DR |
|---|---|---|
WDWWW |
Form | LWWDL |
| 15 | Goals For | 4 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 3 |
N/A |
WORLD CUP | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Portugal 2-1 Congo DR
Portugal are strong favourites to win this match at 2/7 (1.29), thanks to their excellent form, experience, and superior squad quality.
Martinez's side have scored first in four of their last five matches, while Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 143 international goals, is priced at 8/11 (1.73) to score anytime.
Although Portugal have been solid defensively, they have conceded in three of their last five games. Congo DR, meanwhile, have scored in eight of their previous 10 matches. With World Cup matches often producing surprises, the visitors could get on the scoresheet, making Both Teams To Score – Yes at 7/5 (2.40) an appealing option.
Portugal have won four of their last five matches, and if Congo DR do find the net, the Selecao das Quinas are expected to win. Thus Portugal Win & Both Teams To Score – Yes at 5/2 (3.50) offers excellent value.
For correct-score bettors, Portugal have recorded a 2-1 win in two of their last three matches. Another 2-1 success is available at 9/1 (10.00) and could be worth a small stake.
> Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime at 8/11 (1.73) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 7/5 (2.4) | Likelihood: Probable
> Portugal win and BTTS – Yes at 5/2 (3.5) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 10.5 corners at 1/2 (1.5) | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct score: 2-1 at 9/1 (10) | Likelihood: Outsider