2026 World Cup Group K: Portugal vs Congo DR Preview, Odds and Predictions (June 17)

• When: Wednesday, June 17, 2026. 1:00 PM ET
• Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, United States
• How to Watch: FOX

The 2026 World Cup is underway with the first matchup in Group K getting underway in Houston as Portugal clashes against Congo DR. These two squads will likely be in direct competition for a qualifying spot in the group, meaning that there will be pressure on both nations on MD1.

ALSO SEE: World Cup 2026: Our Experts Share Their World Cup Picks

Portugal Stats & Team News

The Last Dance is on the way for Cristiano Ronaldo, likely taking part in his World Cup alongside Portugal. Having taken part in the tournament with the national team since the 2006 edition, Ronaldo will go down as the greatest player in the nation’s history. They hope to give him one last deep run and a final chance at winning the trophy he highly desires.

Portugal enjoyed a solid qualifying campaign, winning four of their six matches. Possessing talent in all areas, they are in great position to give Ronaldo a firm chance at a deep tournament run. Ronaldo leads the squad with 143 international goals, while Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix assist him in the attack. Also keep an eye out for goalie Diogo Costs, defender Nuno Mendes and attackers Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao to make noise with their performances.

Likely Lineup:

(4-2-3-1) Costa (GK); Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Silva, Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo

Congo DR Stats & Team News

For the second time in national team history, Congo DR has punched its ticket to the World Cup. This marks the first time they qualified since 1974 when they used to go by Zaire, getting two draws at the time. Congo DR pulled off the accomplishment by qualifying through the inter-confederation playoffs, taking down Jamaica 1-0 in extra-time to conclude their qualifying cycle.

Congo DR will certainly be busy in one of the Groups of Death, taking on Portugal and eventually Colombia. They will turn to Meschak Elia and Cedric Bakambu for production on the offensive side of the ball, seeing the two score 33 combined goals throughout their respective careers.

Likely Lineup:

(5-3-2) Mpasi-Nzau (GK); Masuaku, Kapuadi, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Wan-Bissaka; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Bakambu, Wissa

Head-to-Head Stats

• This is the first meeting between Portugal and Congo DR.
• This will be the first competitive meeting between the nations.

Portugal vs. Congo DR World Cup Picks

Congo DR will have its hands full trying to hold off the explosive players that Portugal has while trying to keep Cristiano Ronaldo away from goal. As for the Portuguese, they look to prove themselves as a team capable of making a deep run by being consistent on both sides of the ball. It would be safe to believe that Portugal takes this one by a 3-1 score.