Portugal vs Congo DR predictions, stats, tips & odds
No previous meetings between these teams.
Player stats will appear once the competition begins.
Previous lineup is not available.
Portugal get their World Cup campaign underway on Wednesday when they face DR Congo in Group K. Kick-off is set for 18:00 (BST) in Houston and below you can find our match preview and best bets for the game.
Roberto Martinez’s side head to the United States with genuine ambitions of lifting the trophy. Portugal boast one of the most talented squads in the competition and many expect them to challenge deep into the knockout stages. DR Congo, meanwhile, will look to upset the odds and make a positive start in Group K.
Best Bets & Predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Fernandes anytime assist | 5/2 @ Sky Bet (28.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | The Manchester United playmaker enjoyed a record-breaking 2025-26 campaign, registering 21 Premier League assists to set a new single-season record. In doing so, Bruno Fernandes moved clear of both Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, who previously shared the record with 20. Furthermore, Fernandes arrives at the World Cup in outstanding form. The Portugal captain consistently creates chances from open play and set pieces, while his understanding with Cristiano Ronaldo makes him one of the tournament’s most dangerous creators. If Portugal are to make a deep run this summer, Fernandes is likely to play a leading role. |
| Ronaldo Over 1.5 Shots on Target | 10/11 @ Paddy Power (52.4%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point of Portugal’s attack and should see plenty of opportunities against a DR Congo side likely to spend long periods on the back foot. The Al-Nassr striker scored 28 league goals last season and continues to fire shots at goal at an impressive rate, regardless of his age. Furthermore, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s designated penalty taker, which only boosts his chances of testing the goalkeeper. With Portugal expected to dominate possession and create plenty of chances in and around the box, backing Ronaldo in the shots on target market looks a sensible way to get him onside. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
How both teams go into Portugal vs DR Congo
Portugal head into the 2026 World Cup with high expectations despite a mixed record in the competition. Their best finish remains a third-place showing in 1966, while their most recent campaign ended in the quarter-finals in Qatar. However, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading a talented squad and Roberto Martinez in charge, Portugal will believe they can challenge deep into the tournament.
Selecao das Quinas are strong favourites to top Group K after winning their final World Cup qualifier 9-1 against Armenia and building momentum with friendly victories over the USA, Chile and Nigeria. They face DR Congo for the first time on Wednesday and anything other than a Portugal victory would rank among the biggest upsets of the opening round.
DR Congo arrive at the World Cup full of confidence after ending a 52-year wait for a place at the tournament. Sebastien Desabre’s side secured qualification thanks to Axel Tuanzebe’s extra-time winner against Jamaica in their intercontinental play-off and have continued to show they can compete with strong opposition, drawing 0-0 with Denmark in a recent friendly.
The Leopards also reached the last 16 at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations and have lost just one of their last four matches. While Portugal represent their toughest challenge in Group K, DR Congo will fancy their chances of competing for a place in the knockout stages, particularly with a potentially decisive clash against Uzbekistan still to come.
Portugal team news
Portugal have a fully-fit squad available for their World Cup opener and Roberto Martinez is expected to stick with his strongest side. Cristiano Ronaldo should lead the line on his 229th international appearance as he looks to add to his remarkable tally of 143 goals for Portugal. Behind him, Bruno Fernandes is set to start after a superb season for Manchester United, while Champions League winners Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Vitinha should also feature from the outset following their success with Paris Saint-Germain.
DR Congo team news
DR Congo have several familiar names in their squad and are expected to line up with a back five featuring Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku. Noah Sadiki should start in midfield, while Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu are set to provide the main attacking threat. Bakambu is DR Congo’s leading scorer with 21 international goals, while Wissa has found the net nine times for his country and will look to cause problems on the counterattack.
Head-to-Head
Portugal and DR Congo will meet for the first time on Wednesday. Neither side has faced the other in a friendly or competitive international, leaving no previous meetings to analyse ahead of their World Cup opener.
Who will grab the advantage in Group K opener?
Portugal have seen their odds shorten from 12/1 into as short as 8/1 in recent weeks as punters put their faith in Martinez’s men to go all the way in North America. We think they’ll start their campaign with a win, but we like the look of Bruno Fernandes to provide an assist at 5/2 with bet365, or Ronaldo to record over 1.5 shots on target at 10/11.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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