Portugal begins its 2026 World Cup campaign on Wednesday, June 17, when it faces DR Congo in a crucial Group K matchup at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
The Portuguese enter the tournament among the dark horses on the latest World Cup odds board, while DR Congo faces an uphill battle to advance from a group that also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan on the World Cup bracket.
My Portugal vs. DR Congo predictions and World Cup picks expect Roberto Martinez's side to flex its superior talent from the opening whistle, with Portugal well-positioned to cover the spread and contribute heavily toward the match total.
TOP PICK
Who will win Portugal vs Congo: Portugal -1.5 (-117)
Portugal possesses one of the most complete squads at this World Cup, and that talent advantage should be enough to produce a comfortable victory over DR Congo.
Roberto Martinez's side is built around a technically gifted midfield featuring Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Joao Neves. Their ability to control possession and move the ball quickly through central areas allows Portugal to dictate the tempo against almost any opponent.
That's a difficult matchup for a DR Congo side likely to defend deep and look for counterattacking opportunities. Portugal's aggressive pressing often prevents opponents from turning defensive stops into meaningful attacks, helping sustain pressure and pin teams inside their own half.
What makes this spread appealing is that DR Congo lacks the attacking threat to punish Portugal if it falls behind early. If Portugal grabs the first goal, the Leopards will eventually be forced out of their compact shape, creating even more space for Portugal's creators to exploit.
Portugal has won 10 of its last 13 matches and enters the tournament fresh off a 9-1 demolition of Armenia, while DR Congo has scored just three goals across its last five outings.
I make Portugal closer to a two-goal favorite in this matchup and would play Portugal -1.5 up to -150.
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Portugal vs Congo Over/Under Pick: Over 2.5 (-127)
Portugal's attacking talent gives this match one of the highest scoring ceilings of any game in the opening round.
Under Roberto Martinez, Portugal has embraced a more aggressive style built around possession, quick passing sequences, and constant movement in the final third. The midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Joao Neves excels at progressing the ball into dangerous areas, while wide attackers such as Rafael Leao stretch defenses and create overloads on the flanks.
That combination makes Portugal particularly dangerous against teams that prefer to sit deep. While DR Congo is expected to deploy a compact defensive block, Portugal has repeatedly shown an ability to break down organized opponents through sustained pressure and positional rotations. Much of the focus entering this tournament has been on Cristiano Ronaldo, but Portugal's biggest strength is that it no longer relies solely on the veteran striker to generate goals.
Recent results also point toward goals. Portugal has scored 35 times across its last 13 matches, including a 9-1 victory over Armenia in its most recent competitive outing. If Portugal scores first, DR Congo will eventually be forced out of its defensive shell, creating even more opportunities for the Europeans to add to their tally.
Playable up to -140.
Portugal vs Congo projected lineup
Portugal (4-3-3): D Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; J Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Neto
Congo (5-3-2): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Wissa, Bakambu
Portugal vs Congo injuries
Portugal: No injuries to report.
Congo: No injuries to report.
Portugal vs Congo weather
The weather will not be a factor as this match is played in a dome.
Portugal vs Congo odds
 Portugal |
 Congo |
|
|---|---|---|
| -370 | Moneyline | +900 |
| +440 | Draw | +440 |
| Over 2.5 (-127) | Total | Under 2.5 (+120) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch Portugal vs Congo
Check out FIFA's official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | NRG Stadium, Houston, TX |
| Date | Wednesday, June 17, 2026 |
| Time | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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