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 begin their World Cup campaign on Wednesday when they take on DR Congo in Group K. The match kicks off at 18:00 (BST) in Houston, and below you’ll find our preview along with the best bets for the contest.
Roberto Martinez’s men arrive in the United States with high expectations and realistic hopes of going all the way. Portugal possess one of the strongest and most talented squads in the tournament, making them a popular pick to progress deep into the knockout rounds. DR Congo, meanwhile, will be aiming to spring a surprise and get their Group K campaign off to a positive start.
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 no injury concerns heading into their World Cup opener, with Roberto Martinez expected to name a full-strength starting XI. Cristiano Ronaldo is set to spearhead the attack on what would be his 229th international appearance, with the veteran forward aiming to add to his extraordinary return of 143 goals for his country. Bruno Fernandes is also expected to start after enjoying an impressive campaign with Manchester United, while Champions League-winning trio Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Vitinha are all likely to be included from the first whistle 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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