World Cup 2026: Congo DR vs Portugal Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Portugal open their World Cup against Congo DR at NRG Stadium in Houston, with kickoff at 19:00 CAT on Wednesday, June 17. Roberto Martinez has a deep and talented Portuguese squad to call upon, while Sebastien Desabre's Congo DR return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 carrying real attacking threat through Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu. I expect Portugal to take charge of this Group K opener, but Congo DR have the runners to make life uncomfortable for their opposition on the break. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Congo DR

Congo DR are back at the World Cup after a 52-year absence and in my opinion they will be a tougher test than the odds suggest. Chancel Mbemba anchors the defence and leads the group with well over a hundred caps, while the return of Yoane Wissa from injury is the single most important boost to their attack. Their preparations were disrupted by a 21-day quarantine on arrival, which may leave them short of sharpness in the early stages, but they nonetheless boast plenty of offensive threats led by Cedric Bakambu, who offers experience and goal-scoring capability at the front. My read is that they will stay compact and look to spring Wissa in behind whenever Portugal commit men forward.

Predicted Lineup: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Sadiki, Moutoussamy; Mbuku, Elia, Wissa; Bakambu.

Portugal

Portugal carry by far the deeper pool of talent and from my point of view they should have enough class to win comfortably, despite their opponent being an underrated side heading into this tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo missed the March window with a hamstring strain but is expected to start if fit, and the supporting cast of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Bernardo Silva is outstanding. Rafael Leao saw red for violent conduct in a warm-up win over Chile, but his availability has been confirmed for the opener. I expect Portugal to dominate possession and wear Congo DR down.

Predicted Lineup: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves; Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo.

Portugal have the quality to control this from the first whistle, and I expect Ronaldo and Fernandes to find the openings against a side making its first World Cup appearance in over fifty years. Congo DR will defend with discipline but the gulf in attacking talent is hard to ignore. My forecast: Congo DR 0 Portugal 2.

BTTS: No (1.63)

I am backing BTTS: No and my read on this is that Portugal's defenders, led by Ruben Dias, have the quality to keep Congo DR at arm's length. The debutants will have plenty thrown at them but should rarely create clear chances against this level of opponent, especially with their preparation disrupted. At 1.63 a Portugal win to nil represents the cleanest value here.