Portugal vs Congo DR — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 1
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Portugal launch Group K against an athletic, dangerous Congo DR, and the spotlight falls — as ever — on Cristiano Ronaldo at what is widely expected to be his final World Cup. Roberto Martinez's Portugal are deep and gifted, with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao supporting the all-time leading scorer; Sebastien Desabre's Congo DR carry real Premier League pace through Yoane Wissa and the experience of Chancel Mbemba.
Portugal will dominate the ball and look to combine through their glittering attacking midfield; Congo DR will be physical, well-organised and threatening on the counter, where their athleticism can trouble any defence.
Expect Portugal to set the tempo and Congo DR to pick their moments. The favourites' quality and depth point one way, but the Leopards have the tools to make this a far sterner test than the gap in reputation suggests.
Key storylines
- 01Ronaldo's likely last World Cup adds huge narrative weight.
- 02Portugal's embarrassment of riches in attacking midfield.
- 03Congo DR's athletic, counter-attacking threat.
- 04Bruno Fernandes is the creative engine of the Portuguese side.
- 05Chancel Mbemba leads a physical, experienced Congolese defence.
Prediction
Portugal's depth to prevail in a tougher test than expected. Friendly call: Portugal 2-1 Congo DR.
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Portugal
Formation 4-3-3- 1Diogo Costa (GK)
- 2Diogo Dalot
- 3Ruben Dias
- 4Goncalo Inacio
- 5Nuno Mendes
- 6Vitinha
- 7Joao Neves
- 8Bruno Fernandes
- 9Bernardo Silva
- 10Cristiano Ronaldo
- 11Rafael Leao
Congo DR
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1Lionel Mpasi (GK)
- 2Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- 3Chancel Mbemba
- 4Axel Tuanzebe
- 5Arthur Masuaku
- 6Samuel Moutoussamy
- 7Charles Pickel
- 8Theo Bongonda
- 9Gael Kakuta
- 10Yoane Wissa
- 11Cedric Bakambu
Team news
Portugal
- Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's talisman at a likely final World Cup.
- Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva headline a stacked midfield.
- Rafael Leao offers explosive width and directness.
Congo DR
- Yoane Wissa brings Premier League pace and finishing.
- Chancel Mbemba anchors an experienced back line.
- Congo DR are most dangerous attacking in transition.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
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