Cristiano Ronaldo Is Set To Play In His Sixth World Cup As Portugal Face DR Congo In Group K
Houston Stadium, USA | 2026 World Cup Group K | Wednesday, June 17 | 6pm BST
Will Cristiano Ronaldo end his glittering career with the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy? Here at BetVictor News, we deliver the in-depth Portugal vs DR Congo preview – including the score prediction, overall H2H record, team news, latest odds, the best betting angles and more as CR7 begins his quest for glory.
- Portugal vs DR Congo prediction: Selecao das Quinas cruise to victory
- Bet on the 2026 World Cup with BetVictor
Portugal Vs DR Congo Preview
On what will almost certainly be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last dance on the biggest international stage football has to offer, the legendary forward will be hoping to emulate Lionel Messi’s heroics as Portugal face DR Congo in Houston.
And the Portugal vs DR Congo odds certainly point towards a win for the European giants. The plethora of quality in their squad has seen their World Cup odds shorten considerably in recent weeks and a fine win here will cement their position as one of the tournament favourites.
As for the Africans, this will be just the second-ever finals appearance. The Leopards lost all three group games in 1974 without finding the back of the net. Therefore, just improving the DR Congo World Cup stats somewhat will be seen as a minor success this time around.
Portugal VS DR Congo H2H Record
Wednesday’s World Cup Group K clash will be the first-ever meeting between Portugal and DR Congo. Interestingly, the last time the Portuguese played African opposition in the finals, they slipped to a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Morocco in 2022.
Which is something worth considering when it comes to World Cup betting on BetVictor’s Portugal vs DR Congo betting markets. Even more so as the Leopards held Denmark to a credible 0-0 draw earlier this month in a friendly clash.
Portugal Vs DR Congo Team News
Hoping to add to his record-breaking tally of 143 international goals, Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line for Portugal in Texas. The Al-Nassr star won’t actually serve his full ban for his Ireland red card in the qualifiers until next year. PSG’s Champions League heroes Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Vitinha are also primed to start.
Meanwhile, DR Congo have a number of recognisable names who will be aiming to stop the likes of Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Co. In defence, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Arthur Masuaku and Tuanzebe will feature. Further up the pitch, Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa and Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki will also get the nod.
Portugal’s last six in all comps:
LWDWWW
DR Congo’s last six in all comps:
WLWWDL
Portugal Vs DR Congo Predicted Lineups
Portugal predicted lineup:
D Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; J Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Neto
DR Congo predicted lineup:
Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Wissa, Bakambu
Portugal Vs DR Congo TV Channel, Live Streaming And Radio
Portugal vs DR Congo is available to watch live in the UK on BBC One (kick-off 6pm). Streaming is also available on BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport website. Followers can also tune in via BBC Radio 5 Live.
*A valid TV license is required to watch live in the UK
Portugal Vs DR Congo Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Portugal and DR Congo
- Portugal World Cup stats – Portugal have scored in 10 of their last 11 World Cup finals matches
- DR Congo World Cup stats – DR Congo are aiming to score their maiden World Cup finals goal
Top Betting Angles for Portugal vs DR Congo
Over 2.5 goals: Of the last 13 internationals Portugal have played, nine have produced over 2.5 goals. Online at 31/40.
BTTS (Yes): DR Congo have scored in three of their last five internationals. Available at 11/8.
Anytime goalscorers: Cristiano Ronaldo (8/11), Bruno Fernandes (19/10), Rafael Leao (17/10), Bernardo Silva (5/2), Pedro Neto (23/10) and Yoane Wissa (4/1) are worth considering.
Portugal Vs DR Congo Prediction
There’s no denying that DR Congo face a daunting task in Texas and we are backing the Leopards to succumb to a 3-1 defeat. Portugal will be gunning for glory and a strong opening day win – with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo – will reinforce their cause to go deep into the tournament.
Prediction: Portugal 3-1 DR Congo
If you intend to bet on Portugal vs DR Congo then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 11:30am on June 17, 2026 and are subject to change.
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