Portugal vs DR Congo: World Cup preview, predictions and bet builder tips

Portugal vs DR Congo match details

Fixture: Portugal vs DR Congo
Competition: World Cup – Group K
Date: Wednesday, 17 June, 2026
Kick-off: 18:00 BST
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Portugal vs DR Congo match prediction

Our prediction: Portugal 3-0 DR Congo

Portugal vs DR Congo predicted lineups

Portugal

Our predicted XI (4-3-3): Costa / Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Menedes / Vitinha, B. Fernandes, J. Neves / Neto, Ronaldo, B. Silva

DR Congo

Our predicted XI (5-3-2): Mpasi Nzau / Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku / Mukau, Sadiki, Moutoussamy / Wissa, Bakambu

Portugal vs DR Congo bet builder tips

Portugal to win

Cape Verde’s result against Spain earlier in the tournament proved that international football can produce surprises, but it would be a major shock if Portugal failed to start with three points here.

Even if Portugal were to drop 30 places in the World Rankings, they would still sit comfortably above DR Congo.

Roberto Martinez's side have won both of their World Cup warm-up matches and have failed to win just once across their last 12 outings in all competitions.

With the likes of Vitinha, Nuno Mendes and Joao Neves arriving fresh from back-to-back Champions League triumphs with PSG, Portugal possess both the quality and cohesion required to get the job done.

Our experts are confidently backing Portugal to begin Group K with a victory.

Portugal to score over 1.5 goals

As favourites, Portugal are expected to spend long periods on the front foot, and we think they will find the net more than once.

Portugal have scored 15 goals across their last five matches, including victories over Chile and Nigeria in World Cup warm-up friendlies earlier this month.

Their attacking strength was equally evident during qualifying, where they averaged 3.3 goals per game.

DR Congo did hold Denmark to a goalless draw recently, but they also conceded twice against Chile, highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities against quality opposition.

Given Portugal's firepower, we expect at least two goals from Martinez's side.

Cristiano Ronaldo to have 4+ shots

This is likely to be Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup, and few players will be more motivated to leave a lasting mark on the tournament.

The Portugal captain remains one of football's most prolific shooters and continues to build attacks around getting efforts on goal.

Ronaldo recorded seven shots across Portugal's two World Cup warm-up matches and averages 5.4 shots per game in the Saudi Pro League this season.

His numbers become even more impressive when looking at World Cup qualifying, where he averaged 6.2 shots per game.

With Portugal expected to dominate possession and territory, we're backing Ronaldo to register at least four shots.

Vitinha to have 1+ shot on target

Vitinha arrives at the World Cup in excellent form after helping PSG secure back-to-back Champions League titles.

While known primarily for his passing and control in midfield, the Portuguese playmaker is never afraid to test goalkeepers from distance.

Although none of his four shots found the target in last month's Champions League final against Arsenal, this matchup should provide him with more opportunities in advanced areas.

Vitinha averages 0.8 shots on target per game in the Champions League and regularly looks to influence matches with both his creativity and shooting.

Against a DR Congo side expected to spend much of the game defending, we're backing Vitinha to hit the target at least once.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

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