{"id":1458945,"date":"2026-06-16T16:26:42","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T15:26:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&#038;p=1458945"},"modified":"2026-06-16T17:02:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T16:02:24","slug":"portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds"},"content":{"rendered":"        <h1>Portugal vs Congo DR predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds<\/h1>\n        <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre vcsw-match-centre--not_started\"\n             data-status=\"not_started\"\n             data-event-id=\"69080051060124ea20d704db\">\n                    <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__header\">\n            <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__meta\">\n                <span\n                    class=\"vcsw-match-centre__datetime\"\n                    data-event-datetime=\"2026-06-17T17:00:00+00:00\"\n                    style=\"opacity:0\"\n                >\n                    17 Jun \u00b7 18:00                <\/span>\n                <span class=\"vcsw-match-centre__venue\">NRG Stadium \u00b7 FIFA World Cup<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__matchup\">\n                        <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__team\" data-id=\"665db6e4e93e306d7f46a036\">\n            <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__team-logo\">\n                                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sc-prod.onetwenty.media\/storage\/team-logos\/portugal.svg\"\n                         alt=\"Portugal\"\n                         width=\"64\" height=\"64\"\/>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <a class=\"vcsw-match-centre__team-name\"\n                   href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/portugal\/\">\n                    Portugal                <\/a>\n                                        <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__last-results\"\n                     aria-label=\"Last 5 results\">\n                                            <span class=\"vcsw-match-centre__last-results-dot is-win\"\n                              title=\"Win\"><\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"vcsw-match-centre__last-results-dot is-loss\"\n                              title=\"Loss\"><\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"vcsw-match-centre__last-results-dot is-draw\"\n                              title=\"Draw\"><\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"vcsw-match-centre__last-results-dot is-win\"\n                              title=\"Win\"><\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"vcsw-match-centre__last-results-dot is-win\"\n                              title=\"Win\"><\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__centre-col\">\n                                            <span\n                            class=\"vcsw-match-centre__kickoff\"\n                            data-event-datetime=\"2026-06-17T17:00:00+00:00\"\n                            style=\"opacity:0\"\n                        >\n                            18:00                        <\/span>\n                                                                                                            <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__team\" data-id=\"666cd7d3773e0180d8e90118\">\n            <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__team-logo\">\n                                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sc-prod.onetwenty.media\/storage\/team-logos\/republic-of-the-congo.png\"\n                         alt=\"Congo DR\"\n                         width=\"64\" height=\"64\"\/>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <a class=\"vcsw-match-centre__team-name\"\n                   href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/congo-dr\/\">\n                    Congo DR                <\/a>\n                                        <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__last-results\"\n                     aria-label=\"Last 5 results\">\n                                            <span class=\"vcsw-match-centre__last-results-dot is-draw\"\n                              title=\"Draw\"><\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"vcsw-match-centre__last-results-dot is-draw\"\n                              title=\"Draw\"><\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"vcsw-match-centre__last-results-dot is-win\"\n                              title=\"Win\"><\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"vcsw-match-centre__last-results-dot is-draw\"\n                              title=\"Draw\"><\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"vcsw-match-centre__last-results-dot is-win\"\n                              title=\"Win\"><\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"vcsw-sports-widgets shortcode vcsw-match-result-odds\" id=\"match_result_odds-1\"><script type=\"application\/json\">{\"sports_type\":\"football\",\"event\":\"69080051060124ea20d704db\",\"datetime\":\"2026-06-17T17:00:00+00:00\",\"widget_type\":\"match-result-odds\"}<\/script><\/div>        <\/div>\n                <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__tab vcsw-match-centre__tab-state--not_started\">\n            <nav class=\"vcsw-match-centre__tab-nav\">\n                            <button class=\"vcsw-match-centre__tab-label is-active\" type=\"button\"\n                    data-sq-tab=\"betting\"\n                    data-sq-tab-states=\"not_started in_progress\">\n                Odds            <\/button>\n                        <button class=\"vcsw-match-centre__tab-label\" type=\"button\"\n                    data-sq-tab=\"h2h\"\n                    data-sq-tab-states=\"not_started\">\n                Head to Head            <\/button>\n                        <button class=\"vcsw-match-centre__tab-label\" type=\"button\"\n                    data-sq-tab=\"playerstats\"\n                    data-sq-tab-states=\"not_started\">\n                Player Stats            <\/button>\n                        <button class=\"vcsw-match-centre__tab-label\" type=\"button\"\n                    data-sq-tab=\"timeline\"\n                    data-sq-tab-states=\"in_progress finished\">\n                Timeline            <\/button>\n                        <button class=\"vcsw-match-centre__tab-label\" type=\"button\"\n                    data-sq-tab=\"teamstats\"\n                    data-sq-tab-states=\"in_progress finished\">\n                Match Stats            <\/button>\n                        <button class=\"vcsw-match-centre__tab-label\" type=\"button\"\n                    data-sq-tab=\"lineup\"\n                    data-sq-tab-states=\"not_started in_progress finished halted\">\n                Possible XI            <\/button>\n                        <button class=\"vcsw-match-centre__tab-label\" type=\"button\"\n                    data-sq-tab=\"leaders\"\n                    data-sq-tab-states=\"finished\">\n                Match Leaders            <\/button>\n                        <button class=\"vcsw-match-centre__tab-label\" type=\"button\"\n                    data-sq-tab=\"price_boosts\"\n                    data-sq-tab-states=\"not_started\">\n                Price Boosts            <\/button>\n                        <button class=\"vcsw-match-centre__tab-label\" type=\"button\"\n                    data-sq-tab=\"bet_builder\"\n                    data-sq-tab-states=\"not_started\">\n                Bet Builder            <\/button>\n                        <button class=\"vcsw-match-centre__tab-label\" type=\"button\"\n                    data-sq-tab=\"league_standings\"\n                    data-sq-tab-states=\"not_started in_progress finished halted\">\n                Table            <\/button>\n                        <\/nav>\n            <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__panels\">\n                        <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__panel\" data-sq-panel=\"h2h\">\n            <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__h2h\">\n                                                                            <p class=\"vcsw-match-centre__empty\">No previous meetings between these teams.<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__panel\"\n             data-sq-panel=\"playerstats\">\n                                    <p class=\"vcsw-match-centre__empty\">Player stats will appear once the competition begins.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__panel\" data-sq-panel=\"price_boosts\">\n                            <div class=\"vcsw-sports-widgets shortcode vcsw-price-boost-by-event\" id=\"price_boost_by_event-1\"><script type=\"application\/json\">{\"sports_type\":\"football\",\"widget_type\":\"price-boosts\",\"template\":\"event\",\"expiry_date\":\"\",\"entity_id\":\"69080051060124ea20d704db\"}<\/script><\/div>                                    <p class=\"vcsw-match-centre__empty vcsw-match-centre__widget-fallback\">\n                        No price boosts for this event.                    <\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__panel\" data-sq-panel=\"bet_builder\">\n                            <div class=\"vcsw-sports-widgets shortcode vcsw-bet-builder\" id=\"bet_builder-1\"><script type=\"application\/json\">{\"sports_type\":\"football\",\"widget_type\":\"bet-builder\",\"partnership_link\":\"\",\"partnership_image_url\":\"\",\"event_id\":\"69080051060124ea20d704db\"}<\/script><\/div>                                    <p class=\"vcsw-match-centre__empty vcsw-match-centre__widget-fallback\">\n                        Bet Builder is not available yet.                    <\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__panel is-active\" data-sq-panel=\"betting\">\n                            <div class=\"vcsw-sports-widgets shortcode vcsw-market-fixtures\" id=\"markets-1\"><script type=\"application\/json\">{\"sports_type\":\"football\",\"event\":{\"_id\":\"69080051060124ea20d704db\",\"sports_type\":\"football\",\"competition_season\":{\"_id\":\"667aabbb773e0180d8f74d65\",\"sports_type\":\"football\",\"competition\":\"FIFA World Cup\",\"country\":\"World\",\"season\":\"2026\",\"start_date\":\"2026-06-11T00:00:00+00:00\",\"end_date\":\"2026-07-19T00:00:00+00:00\",\"tags\":[\"routine_fixture\"],\"stages\":[{\"stage_id\":\"69926c14d267470cb8c2bd3f\",\"stage_name\":\"Final\",\"standings_available\":false},{\"stage_id\":\"69926c14d267470cb8c2bd3d\",\"stage_name\":\"3rd Place Final\",\"standings_available\":false},{\"stage_id\":\"69926c15d267470cb8c2bd41\",\"stage_name\":\"Semi-finals\",\"standings_available\":false},{\"stage_id\":\"69926c15d267470cb8c2bd40\",\"stage_name\":\"Quarter-finals\",\"standings_available\":false},{\"stage_id\":\"69926c14d267470cb8c2bd3e\",\"stage_name\":\"8th Finals\",\"standings_available\":false},{\"stage_id\":\"69926c14d267470cb8c2bd3c\",\"stage_name\":\"16th Finals\",\"standings_available\":false},{\"stage_id\":\"698b2bff81ff06d75c1e8377\",\"stage_name\":\"Group Stage\",\"standings_available\":true}]},\"datetime\":\"2026-06-17T17:00:00+00:00\",\"name\":\"Portugal vs Congo DR\",\"participants\":[{\"participant_id\":\"665db6e4e93e306d7f46a036\",\"name\":\"Portugal\",\"team_badge\":\"https:\\\/\\\/sc-prod.onetwenty.media\\\/storage\\\/team-logos\\\/portugal.svg\",\"side\":\"home\",\"formation\":null,\"result\":{\"half_time\":0,\"full_time\":0,\"extra_time\":0,\"penalties\":0,\"total\":0}},{\"participant_id\":\"666cd7d3773e0180d8e90118\",\"name\":\"Congo DR\",\"team_badge\":\"https:\\\/\\\/sc-prod.onetwenty.media\\\/storage\\\/team-logos\\\/republic-of-the-congo.png\",\"side\":\"away\",\"formation\":null,\"result\":{\"half_time\":0,\"full_time\":0,\"extra_time\":0,\"penalties\":0,\"total\":0}}],\"selections\":[{\"channel_id\":1728,\"channel_name\":\"BBC iPlayer\",\"channel_shortname\":\"BBC iPlayer\",\"channel_url\":null,\"channel_slug\":\"bbc-iplayer\",\"channel_coverage\":\"national\",\"is_streaming\":true,\"sprite_class\":\"icons-channels-bbc_iplayer\",\"channel_logo_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/sc-prod.onetwenty.media\\\/storage\\\/tv-channels\\\/bbc-iplayer.svg\"},{\"channel_id\":2181,\"channel_name\":\"Bet365 UK\",\"channel_shortname\":\"Bet365\",\"channel_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/extra.bet365.com\\\/features\\\/en\\\/match-live?affiliate=365_03795756\",\"channel_slug\":\"bet365-3\",\"channel_coverage\":null,\"is_streaming\":false,\"sprite_class\":\"icons-channels-bet365_3\",\"channel_logo_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/sc-prod.onetwenty.media\\\/storage\\\/tv-channels\\\/bet365-3.svg\"},{\"channel_id\":2271,\"channel_name\":\"Matchbook\",\"channel_shortname\":\"matchbook\",\"channel_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/track.matchbook-gaming.com\\\/o\\\/o4-uIC?site_id=100714\",\"channel_slug\":\"matchbook\",\"channel_coverage\":null,\"is_streaming\":true,\"sprite_class\":\"icons-channels-matchbook\",\"channel_logo_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/sc-prod.onetwenty.media\\\/storage\\\/tv-channels\\\/matchbook.svg\"}],\"stage\":\"Group Stage\",\"stage_id\":\"698b2bff81ff06d75c1e8377\",\"group_name\":\"Group K\",\"group_id\":\"2aye2z7szghinnxu44f2uj8\",\"status\":\"not_started\",\"status_detailed\":\"fixture\",\"match_time\":{\"running_match_min\":null,\"clamped_match_min\":null,\"human_match_time\":null,\"period\":\"pre_match\",\"period_id\":16,\"stoppage_minutes\":null,\"is_halftime\":false,\"is_extratime\":false,\"is_extratime_halftime\":false,\"is_penalties\":false,\"is_finished\":false},\"tags\":[\"routine_fixture\"],\"venue\":\"NRG Stadium\"},\"data_markets\":[{\"_id\":\"Match Result\",\"name\":\"Match Result\"},{\"_id\":\"Both Teams To Score\",\"name\":\"Both Teams To Score\"},{\"_id\":\"Over \\\/ Under 2.5 Goals\",\"name\":\"Over \\\/ Under 2.5 Goals\"},{\"_id\":\"First Goalscorer\",\"name\":\"First Goalscorer\"},{\"_id\":\"Match Result and Both Teams To Score\",\"name\":\"Match Result and Both Teams To Score\"},{\"_id\":\"Correct Score\",\"name\":\"Correct Score\"},{\"_id\":\"Over \\\/ Under 2.5 Cards\",\"name\":\"Over \\\/ Under 2.5 Cards\"},{\"_id\":\"Over \\\/ Under 3.5 Cards\",\"name\":\"Over \\\/ Under 3.5 Cards\"},{\"_id\":\"Anytime Goalscorer\",\"name\":\"Anytime Goalscorer\"},{\"_id\":\"Draw No Bet\",\"name\":\"Draw No Bet\"},{\"_id\":\"Total Goals Over \\\/ Under\",\"name\":\"Total Goals Over \\\/ Under\"},{\"_id\":\"Total Cards Over \\\/ Under\",\"name\":\"Total Cards Over \\\/ Under\"},{\"_id\":\"Double Chance\",\"name\":\"Double Chance\"},{\"_id\":\"Player To Score Or Assist\",\"name\":\"Player To Score Or Assist\"},{\"_id\":\"To Win To Nil\",\"name\":\"To Win To Nil\"},{\"_id\":\"To Score A Penalty\",\"name\":\"To Score A Penalty\"},{\"_id\":\"Player To Be Carded\",\"name\":\"Player To Be Carded\"},{\"_id\":\"Player Shots On Target\",\"name\":\"Player Shots On Target\"},{\"_id\":\"Team Shots On Target\",\"name\":\"Team Shots On Target\"},{\"_id\":\"Match Shots On Target\",\"name\":\"Match Shots On Target\"},{\"_id\":\"Anytime Assist\",\"name\":\"Anytime Assist\"},{\"_id\":\"Total Shots Over \\\/ Under\",\"name\":\"Total Shots Over \\\/ Under\"},{\"_id\":\"Goalkeeper Saves Over \\\/ Under\",\"name\":\"Goalkeeper Saves Over \\\/ Under\"},{\"_id\":\"Total Corners Over \\\/ Under\",\"name\":\"Total Corners Over \\\/ Under\"},{\"_id\":\"Most Corners\",\"name\":\"Most Corners\"},{\"_id\":\"Player Shots Total\",\"name\":\"Player Shots Total\"}],\"active_market\":\"\",\"show_title\":\"false\",\"limit_markets\":4,\"widget_type\":\"markets\"}<\/script><\/div>                                    <p class=\"vcsw-match-centre__empty vcsw-match-centre__widget-fallback\">\n                        Betting markets are not available yet.                    <\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__panel vcsw-match-centre__panel--lineup\"\n                 data-sq-panel=\"lineup\">\n                        <p class=\"vcsw-match-centre__empty\">Previous lineup is not available.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"vcsw-match-centre__panel\" data-sq-panel=\"league_standings\">\n                            <div class=\"vcsw-sports-widgets shortcode vcsw-league-standings\" id=\"league_standings-1\"><script type=\"application\/json\">{\"sports_type\":\"football\",\"competition\":\"667aabbb773e0180d8f74d65\",\"widget_type\":\"league-table\",\"groups\":[\"Group K\"]}<\/script><\/div>                                    <p class=\"vcsw-match-centre__empty vcsw-match-centre__widget-fallback\">\n                        League Standings table is not available yet.                    <\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                <div id=\"vcsw-player-stats-mount\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/portugal\/\">Portugal<\/a> get their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/outright-markets\/world-cup-outright-odds\/\">World Cup<\/a> campaign underway on Wednesday when they face <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/congo-dr\/\">DR Congo<\/a> 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. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Roberto Martinez&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-bets-amp-predictions\"><strong>Best Bets &amp; Predictions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Our Prediction<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Odds &amp; Bookmaker<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Confidence<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Why We&#8217;re Backing It<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Bruno Fernandes anytime assist<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-tmp-wof-s-spo\">5\/2 @ Sky Bet<\/a><br>(28.6%)<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">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&#8217;s most dangerous creators. If Portugal are to make a deep run this summer, Fernandes is likely to play a leading role.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Ronaldo Over 1.5 Shots on Target<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"\/en\/go\/paddy-power?q=gb-all-tmp-wof-s-spo\">10\/11 @ Paddy Power<\/a><br>(52.4%)<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point of Portugal&#8217;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&#8217;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.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-both-teams-go-into-portugal-vs-dr-congo\">How both teams go into Portugal vs DR Congo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>DR Congo arrive at the World Cup full of confidence after ending a 52-year wait for a place at the tournament. Sebastien Desabre&#8217;s side secured qualification thanks to Axel Tuanzebe&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-portugal-team-news\">Portugal team news<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-dr-congo-team-news\">DR Congo team news<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-head-to-head\"><strong>Head-to-Head<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-will-grab-the-advantage-in-group-k-opener\"><strong>Who will grab the advantage in Group K opener?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s men to go all the way in North America. We think they&#8217;ll start their campaign with a win, but we like the look of <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">Bruno Fernandes to provide an assist at 5\/2 with bet365<\/a>, or Ronaldo to record over 1.5 shots on target at 10\/11. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/world-cup-2026-betting-tips-predictions\/\"><strong>World Cup predictions &amp; tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/outright-markets\/world-cup-outright-odds\/\"><strong>World Cup outright odds <\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup-2026-fixtures-results\/\"><b>World Cup fixtures &amp; results<\/b><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/world-cup-2026-betting-offers\/\"><b>World Cup free bets<\/b><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-articles-list\">\n                    <h2 class=\"sq-heading-line\">Latest News<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"sq-cards\">\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/france-vs-senegal-bet-builder-tips-16-06-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/15153810\/predictions_article-16x9-2026-06-15T153657.663-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/france-vs-senegal-bet-builder-tips-16-06-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    France vs Senegal Bet Builder Tips: Back Mbappe to score in 9\/2 double                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/anton\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Anthony Eadson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">12 minutes ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/squawka-new-match-centre-explained\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/09101042\/squawka-match-centre-explainer-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Introducing Squawka&#039;s new Match Centre\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/squawka-new-match-centre-explained\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Introducing Squawka&#8217;s new Match Centre: Odds, stats, line-ups, price boosts and more                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 hour ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/world-cup-2026-fixtures-results\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/12\/05173007\/FIFAWorldCupDraw_ID3D9H4XD_05-12-25-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"World Cup 2026 group stage draw in full: Fixtures confirmed as England face Croatia, Panama and Ghana\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/world-cup-2026-fixtures-results\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    World Cup 2026 fixtures and results: Every fixture and kick-off time for the biggest World Cup ever                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/chris-smith\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Chris Jones                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 hour ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/09133134\/match_preview-world-cup-12-1-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Portugal vs DR Congo predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/anton\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Anthony Eadson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">3 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/canada-vs-qatar-team-news-predicted-lineups\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/16145108\/canada-vs-qatar-team-news-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Canada vs Qatar team news and predicted lineups\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/canada-vs-qatar-team-news-predicted-lineups\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Canada vs Qatar team news and predicted lineups                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">4 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/switzerland-vs-bosnia-herzegovina-team-news-predicted-lineups\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/16140515\/switzerland-vs-bosnia-herzegovina-team-news-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina team news and predicted lineups\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/switzerland-vs-bosnia-herzegovina-team-news-predicted-lineups\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina team news and predicted lineups                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">5 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/england-world-cup-2026-squad-22-05-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/17185447\/predictions_article-16x9-44-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/england-world-cup-2026-squad-22-05-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    England World Cup 2026 squad: 26-man squad named by Three Lions as World Cup hopes begin to grow                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">5 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/england-world-cup-2026-fixtures-players-analysis\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/19173737\/3E8JT15-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/england-world-cup-2026-fixtures-players-analysis\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    England World Cup 2026: Fixtures, manager, squad depth and tactical analysis                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/deansmith\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Dean Smith                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">5 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/france-vs-senegal-team-news-predicted-xis\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/14140626\/predicted_xi-4-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/france-vs-senegal-team-news-predicted-xis\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    France vs Senegal team news and predicted XIs                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">6 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/todays-world-cup-tips-16-06-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/11112724\/predictions_article-16x9-2026-06-11T112646.390-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/todays-world-cup-tips-16-06-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Today&#8217;s World Cup Tips: Back Haaland to score a header                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/anton\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Anthony Eadson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">8 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/austria-vs-jordan-bet-builder-tips-16-06-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/16104838\/predictions_article-16x9-2026-06-16T104321.478-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/austria-vs-jordan-bet-builder-tips-16-06-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Austria vs Jordan Bet Builder Tips: Back Sabitzer to score in Santa Clara                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/anton\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Anthony Eadson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">9 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/tunisia-world-cup-news-sabri-lamouchi-sacked\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/16101934\/HerveRenard16062026_ID3DBDXY8-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Herve Renard Tunisia\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/tunisia-world-cup-news-sabri-lamouchi-sacked\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Tunisia World Cup news: Herve Renard replaces Sabri Lamouchi after 5-1 Sweden defeat                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">9 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;s side head to the United States with genuine ambitions of lifting the trophy. Portugal&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2529,"featured_media":1455947,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions and tips for the 2026 World Cup group stage clash at NRG Stadium on Wednesday 17 June, plus World Cup odds and team news.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"news-category":[],"class_list":["post-1458945","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Portugal vs DR Congo predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions and tips for the 2026 World Cup group stage clash at NRG Stadium on Wednesday 17 June, plus World Cup odds and team news.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions and tips for the 2026 World Cup group stage clash at NRG Stadium on Wednesday 17 June, plus World Cup odds and team news.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Squawka | EN\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SquawkaFootballNews\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-16T16:02:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/09133134\/match_preview-world-cup-12-1-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@squawka\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Anthony Eadson\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/6111e9e73c9acbee395458c386d498fc\"},\"headline\":\"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-16T15:26:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-16T16:02:24+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/\"},\"wordCount\":880,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/09133134\/match_preview-world-cup-12-1-scaled.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/\",\"name\":\"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds | Squawka | EN\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/09133134\/match_preview-world-cup-12-1-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-16T15:26:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-16T16:02:24+00:00\",\"description\":\"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions and tips for the 2026 World Cup group stage clash at NRG Stadium on Wednesday 17 June, plus World Cup odds and team news.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/09133134\/match_preview-world-cup-12-1-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/09133134\/match_preview-world-cup-12-1-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1440},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Squawka\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"News\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Squawka | EN\",\"description\":\"Football News, Stats, and More...\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/6111e9e73c9acbee395458c386d498fc\",\"name\":\"Anthony Eadson\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/39700420d433b98c3d7a1d0c64d9ac1b45e7e470d6a3de4ff5b024ee47873569?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/39700420d433b98c3d7a1d0c64d9ac1b45e7e470d6a3de4ff5b024ee47873569?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Anthony Eadson\"},\"description\":\"Anthony Eadson is a sports betting expert and seasoned industry professional with over a decade in the field. In addition to his work in football betting, Anthony is an avid sports fan, and keen horse racing punter. With a passion for the industry and a proven track record of profitability, Anthony is a trusted source for sports betting advice and analysis.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/anton\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds | Squawka | EN","description":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions and tips for the 2026 World Cup group stage clash at NRG Stadium on Wednesday 17 June, plus World Cup odds and team news.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds","og_description":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions and tips for the 2026 World Cup group stage clash at NRG Stadium on Wednesday 17 June, plus World Cup odds and team news.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/","og_site_name":"Squawka | EN","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SquawkaFootballNews\/","article_modified_time":"2026-06-16T16:02:24+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1440,"url":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/09133134\/match_preview-world-cup-12-1-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@squawka","twitter_misc":{"Estimated reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/"},"author":{"name":"Anthony Eadson","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/6111e9e73c9acbee395458c386d498fc"},"headline":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds","datePublished":"2026-06-16T15:26:42+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-16T16:02:24+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/"},"wordCount":880,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/09133134\/match_preview-world-cup-12-1-scaled.jpg","inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/","url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/","name":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds | Squawka | EN","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/09133134\/match_preview-world-cup-12-1-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2026-06-16T15:26:42+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-16T16:02:24+00:00","description":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions and tips for the 2026 World Cup group stage clash at NRG Stadium on Wednesday 17 June, plus World Cup odds and team news.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/09133134\/match_preview-world-cup-12-1-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/09133134\/match_preview-world-cup-12-1-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1440},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/portugal-vs-congo-dr-fifa-world-cup-17-06-2026\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Squawka","item":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/","name":"Squawka | EN","description":"Football News, Stats, and More...","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/6111e9e73c9acbee395458c386d498fc","name":"Anthony Eadson","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/39700420d433b98c3d7a1d0c64d9ac1b45e7e470d6a3de4ff5b024ee47873569?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/39700420d433b98c3d7a1d0c64d9ac1b45e7e470d6a3de4ff5b024ee47873569?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Anthony Eadson"},"description":"Anthony Eadson is a sports betting expert and seasoned industry professional with over a decade in the field. In addition to his work in football betting, Anthony is an avid sports fan, and keen horse racing punter. With a passion for the industry and a proven track record of profitability, Anthony is a trusted source for sports betting advice and analysis.","url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/anton\/"}]}},"yoast_title":"","yoast_description":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions and tips for the 2026 World Cup group stage clash at NRG Stadium on Wednesday 17 June, plus World Cup odds and team news.","yoast_keyword":"Portugal vs DR Congo predictions","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/1458945","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2529"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/1458945\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1458965,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/1458945\/revisions\/1458965"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1455947"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1458945"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1458945"},{"taxonomy":"news-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-category?post=1458945"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}