Portugal and DR Congo meet on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, in a Group K opener that pits one of Europe’s strongest squads against a side returning to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.
This blog covers everything you need to know: kick-off time, broadcasters by region, team news for both sides, full squad lists, and a detailed tactical preview.
Key Details
- Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 12:00 PM CDT (1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM BST / 10:30 PM IST)
- Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA
- Where to Watch: FOX (USA) | BBC One (UK) | SBS One (Australia) | CTV / TSN (Canada) | Zee5 (India)
Where to Watch Portugal vs. DR Congo Football World Cup Match?
Portugal vs DR Congo is broadcast on FOX in the United States, BBC One in the United Kingdom, SBS One in Australia, and CTV / TSN in Canada.
BBC One is free to air for UK licence holders and is also available on BBC iPlayer, making it accessible on mobiles, tablets, smart TVs, and computers. FOX carries the match as part of its exclusive English-language World Cup package in the USA, with the game also streaming on the FOX Sports app and FOX One.
Zee5 holds broadcast rights in India. Fans in Sub-Saharan Africa including the Democratic Republic of Congo can follow the match on SuperSport and New World TV, which holds primary satellite rights across 43 territories in the region.
How to Watch Portugal vs. DR Congo with a VPN
If the match is unavailable in your region, a VPN gives you access to BBC iPlayer’s free live stream by securing a UK IP address.
BBC iPlayer is geoblocked outside the United Kingdom, meaning viewers outside Britain cannot access it without a VPN. PureVPN routes your connection through a UK server so the broadcaster’s system treats you as a local viewer.
Follow these steps to get access:
- Sign up for PureVPN and install the app on your device.
- Connect to a UK server to obtain a British IP address.
- Visit BBC iPlayer and sign in or register a free account.
- Search for the Portugal vs DR Congo match and begin streaming live.
Please note: using a VPN to access streaming platforms may be subject to those platforms’ terms of service. PureVPN recommends checking the applicable terms before use.
Portugal vs. DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 Team News
Portugal Team News
Roberto Martinez has led Portugal since January 2023, previously guiding Belgium to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup before joining the Portuguese Football Federation. He won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal in June 2025, beating Spain in the final, and has built the squad around a possession-based 4-3-3 system that gives freedom to one of the most talented midfields in world football.
Portugal went unbeaten through UEFA qualifying, and warmed up for the tournament with back-to-back 2-1 victories over Chile and Nigeria in pre-tournament friendlies. The Nigeria result was notable for Ronaldo missing several clear chances, though Martinez stated publicly that preparations were complete and expressed confidence in all 26 players competing for places in the lineup.
Captain Cristiano Ronaldo enters the tournament at 41 years old, holding all-time records for international appearances and international goals. He finished as the top scorer of the 2025 Nations League and was defended firmly by Martinez as a selection on current form, not sentiment. The squad also carries a symbolic honorary place for the late Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident at 28. Notable absentees include Joao Palhinha and Antonio Silva, whose omissions drew analyst attention.
Key players to watch include Bruno Fernandes, who received the FWA Footballer of the Year award after steering Manchester United back into the Champions League. Bernardo Silva and Vitinha provide craft and pressing intensity in midfield, while Nuno Mendes and Ruben Dias anchor the defensive structure. In attack, Gonçalo Ramos offers an alternative to Ronaldo through the middle, and Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto provide wide options. Four PSG players, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Gonçalo Ramos, arrived for the tournament fresh from winning the UEFA Champions League.
DR Congo Team News
Sébastien Desabre, a 49-year-old French coach with no professional playing career, moved directly into management at the age of 30 and has since managed clubs and national teams across eight African countries including Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Tunisia, Egypt, Uganda, and Morocco. He took charge of DR Congo in August 2022 with the stated goals of qualifying for AFCON 2025 and the 2026 World Cup, both of which he achieved. The AFCON 2023 run to the semi-finals was a turning point that earned the trust of an initially sceptical fanbase.
DR Congo earned 22 points in their CAF qualification group but finished second behind Senegal, meaning they had to navigate the intercontinental playoff to reach the finals. They beat Jamaica 1-0 in extra time in Guadalajara on March 31 to book their place, with Axel Tuanzebe’s headed winner in the 100th minute triggering celebrations across Kinshasa. The Leopards warmed up for the tournament with a 2-1 defeat to Chile in their pre-World Cup friendly.
Captain Chancel Mbemba, DR Congo’s record appearance holder with 107 caps, leads the defence at 31 years old. His career arc, from an inconsistent stint at Newcastle United to leadership roles at Porto, Marseille, and Lille, mirrors the development of the Congolese team itself. Yoane Wissa is the team’s most dangerous attacker, bringing Premier League pace and directness after three sharp seasons at Brentford before his move to Newcastle United. Cédric Bakambu, 35, arrives from Real Betis with 21 international goals, one short of the all-time national record. The squad is heavily diaspora-built, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Noah Sadiki, and Wissa all having played in the Premier League during the 2025-26 season.
Portugal World Cup 2026 Squad
- Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva
- Defenders: Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot, Nélson Semedo, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Matheus Nunes
- Midfielders: Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Neves, Samú Costa, Bernardo Silva
- Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Francisco Trincão, João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceição, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Guedes
DR Congo World Cup 2026 Squad
- Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo, Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi
- Defenders: Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Arthur Masuaku, Fiston Mayele, Donat Ndour, Yannick Lombe
- Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Cédric Omoigui, Bertrand Traoré, Silas Katompa, Samuel Moutoussamy, Meschak Elia, Théo Ndicka, Jonathan Bolingi
- Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu, Gérémy Mulumba, Dieumerci Moleka, Ben Malango
Portugal vs. DR Congo Match Preview
Portugal and DR Congo kick off their Group K campaigns on Wednesday, June 17 at NRG Stadium in Houston, a 72,220-capacity arena that serves as home to NFL’s Houston Texans and has hosted Super Bowls and the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final. The two nations have never met in competitive international football, making this a genuinely unknown fixture despite the clear gulf in World Cup pedigree.
Portugal arrive as legitimate contenders. The Nations League title won in June 2025, their unbeaten European qualifying record, and the depth of talent across the squad place them firmly among the tournament favourites. The one consistent question mark surrounds Ronaldo himself: the captain missed multiple clear chances against Nigeria in the pre-tournament friendly, though his teammates covered effectively for the result.
DR Congo arrive as the ultimate underdogs, but their squad is far from a collection of unknowns. Premier League experience runs through the spine of the side, and Desabre has instilled a clear identity based on a 4-2-3-1 shape with rapid wide forwards and physical midfield duels. The Leopards’ pre-tournament form, including a defeat to Chile, reflects their status as a developing side stepping onto the biggest stage, but teams with pace on the counter have troubled Portugal before.
Tactical Outlook
Martinez is expected to line up Portugal in their usual 4-3-3 with Diogo Costa in goal, a back four likely to include Nuno Mendes, Ruben Dias, and Diogo Dalot, and a midfield trio anchored by Joao Neves and Vitinha with Bruno Fernandes operating in a more advanced role. Bernardo Silva offers the creative link between midfield and attack, while the question of whether Ronaldo or Gonçalo Ramos leads the line may not be answered until kickoff.
DR Congo’s attacking plan will centre on Yoane Wissa’s ability to exploit space behind Portugal’s fullbacks on the counter. Wissa’s Premier League pace and directness make him a genuine threat against any side that pushes forward, and Portugal’s wide defenders must balance their attacking instincts carefully. Bakambu offers the aerial and physical presence through the middle that could test Ruben Dias in aerial duels.
The key matchup to watch is Vitinha and João Neves against DR Congo’s midfield pair, likely Sadiki and Moutoussamy. If Portugal’s midfield controls the tempo, the attacking quality will produce chances at will. If DR Congo can disrupt and transition quickly through Wissa, the scoreline could remain uncomfortable for longer than Portugal’s supporters would prefer.
Portugal are the clear favourites. DR Congo will fight, counter, and compete, but the class gap across the squad is significant. A Portugal win is the likeliest outcome, with the margin depending heavily on whether Ronaldo or Ramos gets the nod to start.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Kick-off (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 17 | Portugal vs. DR Congo | Houston | 12:00 (Noon) |
| June 17 | England vs. Croatia | Dallas | 15:00 |
| June 17 | Ghana vs. Panama | Toronto | 19:00 |
| June 17 | Uzbekistan vs. Colombia | Mexico City | 22:00 |
| June 18 | Czechia vs. South Africa | Atlanta | 12:00 |
| June 18 | Switzerland vs. Bosnia-Herz. | Los Angeles | 15:00 |
| June 18 | Canada vs. Qatar | Vancouver | 18:00 |
| June 19 | Mexico vs. Korea Republic | Guadalajara | 21:00 |
| June 19 | USA vs. Australia | Seattle | 15:00 |
| June 19 | Scotland vs. Morocco | Boston | 18:00 |
FIFA Football World Cup 2026 Preview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be the most ambitious and expansive edition of football’s grandest stage. The 23rd edition of the tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
For the first time ever, three nations are co-hosting the World Cup; a milestone that reflects both the scale of the event and the growing global footprint of the beautiful game.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Format Explained: 48 Nations, 104 Matches
An expanded World Cup will feature 48 teams, 16 more than in Qatar 2022, and take place across three host nations for the first time. This expansion fundamentally changes the tournament’s structure.
The competition now consists of 12 groups of four teams, with each team playing three matches in their respective groups. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament will advance to the knockout Round of 32.
With 32 teams advancing, the knockout stage now includes a Round of 32, a Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, meaning there will be 104 matches in total, 40 more than in Qatar. As a result, the 2026 World Cup will last 39 days instead of the roughly 32 days of previous tournaments.
16 Host Cities Across 3 Nations in FIFA World Cup 2026
There will be 16 host cities in total, with 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
The cities where these games will take place include Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara in Mexico; and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, and New York/New Jersey in the United States.
The opening match is especially historic. The tournament kicks off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico will face South Africa, making it one of the most iconic venues in World Cup history, and the first stadium to host games at three different men’s World Cups.
The final is set for an equally iconic setting. The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which has been rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium for the event in order to comply with FIFA’s corporate name policy.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed the 2026 World Cup final will have a half-time show. Coldplay will be involved in putting together the event at MetLife Stadium, in a move inspired by the NFL’s Super Bowl.
The Stars to Watch in FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup features a massive mix of established superstars and next-generation talent. Here are the names central to the tournament conversation:
Established Legends
- Lionel Messi — Argentina’s captain, widely expected to play his final World Cup
- Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal’s all-time icon, also likely bowing out on the biggest stage
Elite Europeans
- Kylian Mbappé — France’s generational superstar and title favourite
- Erling Haaland — Norway’s goal machine making his World Cup debut
- Jude Bellingham — England’s midfield engine and creative force
- Jamal Musiala — Germany’s technically gifted young star
- Lamine Yamal — Spain’s teenage sensation
- Harry Kane — England’s all-time top scorer hunting major honours
South American Powerhouses
- Vinícius Júnior — Brazil’s electric winger and Ballon d’Or contender
- Federico Valverde — Uruguay’s tireless and technically brilliant midfielder
North American Heroes
- Alphonso Davies — Canada’s captain and fan favourite on home soil
- Christian Pulisic — The face of US soccer playing in front of a home crowd
African Star
- Mohamed Salah — Egypt’s legendary forward bringing vast club experience to the global stage
For Messi and Ronaldo, this will likely be their final World Cups, giving the tournament an unmistakably emotional dimension as two of the greatest players in football history bow out on the grandest stage.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Stadiums
| Stadium Name | Host City | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Stadium | Toronto | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 45,000 |
| BC Place Vancouver | Vancouver | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | 54,000 |
| Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | Mexico City, Mexico | 83,000 |
| Estadio Guadalajara | Guadalajara | Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico | 48,000 |
| Estadio Monterrey | Monterrey | Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico | 53,500 |
| Atlanta Stadium | Atlanta | Atlanta, Georgia, USA | 75,000 |
| Boston Stadium | Boston | Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA | 65,000 |
| Dallas Stadium | Dallas | Arlington, Texas, USA | 94,000 |
| NRG Stadium | Houston | Houston, Texas, USA | 72,000 |
| Kansas City Stadium | Kansas City | Kansas City, Missouri, USA | 73,000 |
| Los Angeles Stadium | Los Angeles | Inglewood, California, USA | 70,000 |
| Miami Stadium | Miami | Miami Gardens, Florida, USA | 65,000 |
| MetLife Stadium | New York/New Jersey | East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA | 82,500 |
| Philadelphia Stadium | Philadelphia | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | 69,000 |
| San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium) | San Francisco Bay Area | Santa Clara, California, USA | 71,000 |
| Seattle Stadium | Seattle | Seattle, Washington, USA | 69,000 |
Prize Money and Commercial Scale for FIFA World Cup 2026
The prize money for the 2026 World Cup was confirmed at a FIFA Council meeting in Doha. The prize fund is up 50 per cent on that of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and each team also receives $1.5m to cover preparation costs, meaning every team is guaranteed at least $10.5m.
The United States last hosted the men’s World Cup in 1994, and that tournament still holds the record as the most attended World Cup with 3.6 million fans. But that record will certainly be shattered in 2026 with fans entering turnstiles in three countries.
FIFA World Cup 2026 official broadcasters
Here’s a list of the official broadcasters for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2026 in different countries across the world.
| Country/Region | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ATN |
| Albania | TV Klan |
| Algeria | ENTV |
| Andorra | RTVE, M6, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Angola | Z Sports |
| Argentina | Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports |
| Armenia | Fast Sports |
| Aruba | Telearuba |
| Australia | SBS |
| Austria | ORF, ServusTV, Magenta Sport |
| Azerbaijan | İTV |
| Bangladesh | TBA |
| Belize | Nexgen |
| Belgium | VRT, RTBF |
| Bolivia | Red Uno, Unitel, Entel, Tigo Sports |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Arena Sport |
| Brazil | Grupo Globo, CazéTV, SBT/N Sports |
| Brunei | TBA |
| Bulgaria | BNT |
| Cambodia | Hang Meas |
| Canada | Bell Media |
| Caribbean | Rush Sports |
| Chile | Chilevisión |
| China | CCTV, Migu, Xiaohongshu |
| Colombia | Caracol, RCN, Win Sports |
| Costa Rica | Teletica, Tigo Sports |
| Croatia | HRT |
| Curaçao | Nos Pais Television |
| Cyprus | Sigma TV |
| Czechia | ČT, TV Nova |
| Denmark | DR, TV2 |
| Dominican Republic | CDN 37, Pio Deportes |
| Ecuador | Teleamazonas |
| El Salvador | TCS, Tigo Sports |
| Estonia | TV3 Estonia, ERR |
| Ethiopia | Hagerie TV |
| Fiji | FBC |
| Finland | Yle, MTV3 |
| France (Metropolitan) | M6, beIN Sports |
| France (Ultramarine) | Antenne Réunion, La 1ère |
| Georgia | Setanta Sports, Rustavi 2 |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF, Magenta Sport |
| Ghana | ChannelOne TV |
| Greece | ERT |
| Guatemala | Albavisión, Tigo Sports |
| Haiti | TNH |
| Honduras | Televicentro, Tigo Sports |
| Hong Kong | PCCW |
| Hungary | MTVA |
| Iceland | RÚV |
| India | Unite8 Sports (Zee) |
| Indonesia | TVRI, FolaPlay, Telkomsel |
| Ireland | RTÉ |
| Israel | KAN, Charlton |
| Italy | RAI, DAZN |
| Ivory Coast | RTI, NCI |
| Jamaica | TVJ |
| Japan | NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV, DAZN |
| Kazakhstan | QAZTRK |
| Kenya | Azam TV |
| Kosovo | RTK, TV Vala, Arena Sport |
| Kyrgyzstan | KTRK, Beeline Ukmush TV |
| Laos | TBA |
| Latvia | TV3 Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | SRG SSR |
| Lithuania | TV3 Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | RTBF, M6, ARD, ZDF |
| Macau | TDM |
| Malawi | Azam TV |
| Malaysia | RTM, Unifi TV |
| Maldives | ICE Networks |
| Malta | Television Malta |
| Mauritius | MBC |
| Mexico | TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca |
| MENA | beIN Sports |
| Mongolia | EduTV, National Television, Suld TV, MNB, Mobihome VOO |
| Montenegro | RTCG, Arena Sport |
| Morocco | SNRT |
| Mozambique | Miramar, Z Sports |
| Myanmar | TBA |
| Nepal | Himalaya Sports, Dgo |
| Netherlands | NOS |
| New Zealand | TVNZ |
| Nicaragua | Grupo Ratensa, Tigo Sports |
| North Macedonia | Arena Sport |
| Norway | NRK, TV2 |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Tapmad |
| Panama | RPC/COS, TVN Media, Tigo Sports |
| Paraguay | Trece, GEN TV |
| Peru | América Televisión |
| Philippines | Aleph Arena, TAP DMV, Cignal PPV |
| Poland | TVP |
| Portugal | Sport TV, RTP, SIC, TVI, LiveModeTV |
| Romania | Antena |
| Russia | Match TV |
| Rwanda | Azam TV |
| Saint Lucia | Winners Sports TV |
| San Marino | RAI, DAZN |
| Senegal | RTS |
| Serbia | PTC, Arena Sport |
| Singapore | Mediacorp |
| Slovakia | RTVS, TV JOJ |
| Slovenia | RTV SLO, Arena Sport |
| South Africa | SABC, SportyTV |
| South America | DSports, Disney+ |
| South Korea | JTBC, KBS, NAVER Sports, CHZZK |
| Spain | RTVE, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Sri Lanka | TBA |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | New World TV, SuperSport |
| Suriname | STVS, ATV |
| Sweden | SVT, TV4 |
| Switzerland | SRG SSR |
| Taiwan | ELTA, EBC, TTV |
| Tajikistan | Varzish TV |
| Tanzania | Azam TV |
| Thailand | TBA |
| Timor-Leste | RTTL, ETO |
| Turkey | TRT |
| Turkmenistan | Quest Sports Media |
| Uganda | Azam TV |
| Ukraine | MEGOGO |
| United Kingdom | STV (Central & Northern Scotland), BBC, ITV |
| United States | Fox Sports (English), Telemundo (Spanish) |
| Uruguay | Canal 5, Antel TV |
| Uzbekistan | Zo’r TV |
| Vanuatu | VBTC |
| Venezuela | Televen |
| Vietnam | VTV |
| Zambia | Azam TV |
| Zimbabwe | Azam TV |
Major FIFA Football World Cup 2026 Matches to Watch This Week
With the group stage now underway, several of the tournament’s biggest storylines are still to come. Here’s what’s on the horizon for the stars listed above.
Argentina vs Algeria — Messi’s Farewell Tour Begins (June 16, Kansas City)
Defending champions Argentina open their campaign against Algeria, marking what is widely expected to be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance. Given Argentina’s pedigree and Messi’s status as one of the most-watched athletes on the planet, this fixture is likely to be one of the most-streamed matches of the opening week.
Iraq vs Norway — Erling Haaland’s World Cup Debut (June 16, Foxborough)
Norway’s long wait for a return to the World Cup stage ends here, and it comes with one of football’s most prolific strikers in Erling Haaland making his tournament debut. Norway will be looking to start strong in Group I against Iraq.
Portugal vs DR Congo — Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Opener (June 17, Houston)
Cristiano Ronaldo makes his Group K bow against World Cup debutants DR Congo. Like Messi, this is expected to be Ronaldo’s last World Cup, adding emotional weight to every appearance he makes throughout the tournament.
England vs Croatia (June 17, Arlington)
A repeat of past tournament classics, this Group L meeting pits Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane’s England against a Croatia side that has reached a final and a semi-final in the last two World Cups.
2026 FIFA World Cup: A Tournament for the Ages
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than a football tournament, it is a cultural event spanning an entire continent. The tournament is expected to be the largest World Cup ever by both attendance and scale, and is also expected to expand the reach of football across North America.
With legendary players potentially playing their last World Cups, host nations hungry for glory, and a brand-new format delivering more football than ever before, the summer of 2026 promises to be utterly unforgettable for fans around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Portugal vs DR Congo kicks off on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The local kick-off time is 12:00 PM CDT, which is 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM BST, and 10:30 PM IST.
Both Portugal and DR Congo are in Group K at the FIFA World Cup 2026, alongside Colombia and Uzbekistan. Portugal play all their group matches at NRG Stadium in Houston, with their final group game against Colombia in Miami.
Portugal won the UEFA Nations League in June 2025, defeating Spain in the final, and went unbeaten through European qualifying. Their pre-tournament friendlies produced 2-1 wins over both Chile and Nigeria, though questions about Ronaldo’s sharpness in front of goal emerged after the Nigeria result.
Yoane Wissa is DR Congo’s most dangerous attacker, with Premier League pace and directness. Cédric Bakambu, carrying 21 international goals, adds the experienced alternative through the middle. Together they give the Leopards genuine attacking variety.
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