World Cup
2026-06-17 - Portugal vs DR Congo
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football : World: FIFA World Cup - Group K
Venue: NRG Stadium
Wednesday 17th June 2026, 1200hrs (local)
Portugal begin their World Cup group campaign on Wednesday lunchtime (local time) when they take on African qualifiers DR Congo (formerly known as Zaire) at the NRG Stadium in Houston.
The Portuguese will be hoping they can emulate their quarter-final appearance in the last edition of the tournament this time around and with a star-studded Selecao squad comprising of multiple high-quality footballers at Roberto Martinez’s disposal, Portugal look favourites to finish top of Group K.
With a midfield likely to include the likes of Vitinha, Joao Neves and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, the latter achieving no fewer than 21 assists in this season’s Premier League, the Selecao should produce plentiful chances on goal on Wednesday.
Portugal have won four of their last five matches, while the bigger picture shows Martinez’s side have been dealt just a single defeat within their last 13 internationals, picking up 10 wins in thew process.
Fast Fact: Portugal has produced two Ballon d'Or-winning icons: Eusébio and Cristiano Ronaldo.
DR Congo last appeared in the World Cup finals back in 1974 as Zaire but the sub-Saharan African nation made an early exit after losing all three of their group games including a heavy 9-0 defeat at the hands of Yugoslavia.
DR Congo’s defence looks a lot more solid this time around though and will be marshalled by former Newcastle united defender Chancel Mbemba who helped guide The Leopards to qualification by virtue of conceding just seven goals in their 13 qualifying matches.
A current Newcastle United forward, Yoane Wissa, will be keen to put a disappointing Premier League campaign behind him when he pulls on the DR Congo shirt but the squad itself have played only two warm-up matches ahead of this Group K opener since edging out Jamaica 1-0 in the inter-continental play-offs.
A 0-0 draw with Denmark was followed by a 2-1 loss to Chile.
Fast Fact: Their 1974 appearance is famous for a unique incident: defender Mwepu Ilunga ran out of the wall and kicked the ball away before a Brazilian free kick, creating one of the most memorable World Cup images ever.
The Betting Verdict
Portugal’s depth in quality, particularly in midfield, should ensure an opening win for the Selecao as the likes of Neto, Leao and Ronaldo look to latch onto the creativity supplied by Fernandes and co.
The Pick :
Portugal 2-0 DR Congo
