Portugal vs Congo DR Predictions, Picks & Odds – 17/06/2026
Best odds to bet on Portugal vs Congo DR
Portugal vs Congo DR Preview
Portugal arrive in Houston in formidable shape, having won three and drawn one of their last four internationals. Roberto Martinez's squad have been prolific in front of goal, netting 35 times across their previous 13 matches, a run that included a stunning 9-1 demolition of Armenia. With Cristiano Ronaldo set to make a historic sixth World Cup appearance at the age of 41, the squad is fully fit and brimming with quality, particularly in midfield.
DR Congo return to the World Cup stage after a remarkable 52-year absence, having last competed as Zaire in 1974. Their preparations, however, have been far from smooth. An Ebola outbreak forced the cancellation of their Kinshasa training camp, with the squad relocating to Belgium and completing a mandatory 21-day isolation period before gaining entry to the United States. Despite those disruptions, they recorded a win and a draw in their two most recent outings.
Portugal's commanding recent record makes the home win at 1.26 the cornerstone of our recommended bet. Roberto Martinez's side have claimed ten victories from their last thirteen outings, scoring 35 goals in that stretch. A squad featuring depth across every position, spearheaded by a 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo on his record sixth World Cup appearance, should prove far too strong for opponents returning after a 52-year absence from this stage.
DR Congo's preparations have been severely disrupted. An Ebola outbreak forced the cancellation of their Kinshasa training camp, with the squad relocating to Belgium and completing a mandatory 21-day isolation period before gaining entry to the United States. Those logistical hurdles, combined with limited competitive match experience, make it difficult to see them containing Portugal's attacking firepower. The over 2.5 goals line at N/A looks well supported.
Backing both teams to score at N/A on the "no" side also carries appeal. Congo DR managed a draw and a win in their two recorded recent fixtures, yet the gulf in quality here is substantial. Portugal's defensive structure under Martinez has been reliable, and a clean sheet feels plausible against a side whose World Cup pedigree stretches back to the 1974 tournament when they competed as Zaire. Odds and markets subject to change.
Trends to Know about Portugal vs Congo DR
- Portugal won ten of last thirteen matches
- Congo DR return after 52-year absence
- Portugal scored 35 goals in thirteen outings
Form & Statistics: Portugal vs Congo DR
Portugal
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Congo DR
Recent form
Season statistics (2)
Lineups: Portugal vs Congo DR
Portugal
Starters
- 1 Diogo Costa
- 2 João Cancelo
- 3 Rúben Dias
- 4 Gonçalo Inácio
- 5 Nuno Mendes
- 6 João Neves
- 7 Vitinha
- 8 Bruno Fernandes
- 9 Bernardo Silva
- 10 Cristiano Ronaldo
- 11 Rafael Leão
Bench
- Nélson Semedo
- Diogo Dalot
- Tomás Araújo
- Renato Veiga
- Matheus Nunes
- Rúben Neves
- Samuel Costa
- Gonçalo Ramos
- João Félix
- Pedro Neto
- Francisco Trincão
- Gonçalo Guedes
- Francisco Conceição
Congo DR
Starters
- 1 Lionel Mpasi
- 2 Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- 3 Axel Tuanzebe
- 4 Chancel Mbemba
- 5 Steve Kapuadi
- 6 Arthur Masuaku
- 7 Samuel Moutoussamy
- 8 Ngal'ayel Mukau
- 9 Noah Sadiki
- 10 Yoane Wissa
- 11 Cédric Bakambu
Bench
- Steve Kapuadi
- Dylan Batubinsika
- Joris Kayembe
- Gedeon Kalulu
- Ngal'ayel Mukau
- Samuel Moutoussamy
- Brian Cipenga
- Nathanaël Mbuku
- Theo Bongonda
- Gaël Kakuta
- Aaron Tshibola
- Fiston Mayele
- Simon Banza
Absent
- Rocky Bushiri (Injury sustained during last club match, replaced in squad)
Medium confidence
Portugal's probable 4-3-3 lines up against Congo DR's compact 5-3-2 in what shapes up as a classic attacking force versus defensive structure contest. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the line supported by width from Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão, giving Portugal the tools to stretch a back five that will look to stay disciplined and compact.
Congo DR's five-defender setup is designed to limit space in behind, but the Leopards will need to be precise on the counter, with Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu tasked with making the most of limited possession. Portugal's midfield trio will be key to controlling tempo and unlocking a deep defensive block.
How to Watch Portugal vs Congo DR Match?
What time is Portugal vs Congo DR?
Portugal vs Congo DR kicks off at 22:30 IST on 17 June 2026 at Houston Stadium.
Where is Portugal vs Congo DR being played?
This Group K fixture takes place at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas.
How Can I Watch Portugal vs Congo DR on TV and Live Stream?
This match will be available on JioCinema and Sports18 for viewers in India.
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