Portugal, led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7), will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against DR Congo in Houston on Wednesday, aiming to start Group K with a winning performance.
The group also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan, making early points crucial for Portugal’s bid to top the group.
RONALDO’S FINAL DANCE
All eyes will once again be on Ronaldo, 41, who is playing his sixth World Cup and chasing the only major trophy missing from his decorated career.
The Portuguese captain has already won the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, but the World Cup remains his ultimate target.
STRONG PORTUGAL SQUAD UNDER MARTINEZ
Coach Roberto Martinez is expected to field a balanced and experienced side, built around creativity and control in midfield.
Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva will lead the attacking creativity, while João Neves and Vitinha are set to anchor the midfield.
In defence, Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes are expected to play key roles, with Diogo Costa likely starting in goal.
Despite the depth, questions remain over Portugal’s finishing, with Ronaldo’s recent missed chances in warm-up matches drawing attention.
DR CONGO RETURN AFTER 52 YEARS
DR Congo are making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.
Coach Sébastien Desabre’s side ended a 52-year wait to reach the tournament and will now look to prove their competitiveness on the global stage.
FAMILIAR EUROPEAN-BASED SQUAD
DR Congo’s squad includes several players with European experience, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, and Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa.
Cédric Bakambu is expected to lead the attack, while Noah Sadiki adds balance and creativity in midfield.
TACTICAL BATTLE EXPECTED IN HOUSTON
DR Congo are likely to adopt a compact defensive shape, aiming to frustrate Portugal and hit on the counterattack.
However, Portugal’s attacking depth and technical quality are expected to test that structure throughout the match.
KICK-OFF AND BROADCAST DETAILS
The match will kick off at 11 pm (Bangladesh time) at Houston Stadium, Texas.
REFEREE: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar)
In Bangladesh, the match will be broadcast on BTV, T-Sports, and Somoy TV, while streaming will be available on Bioscope Plus, Toffee, and I Screen.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Portugal enter as strong favourites on paper, but World Cup opening matches often produce surprises.
For Ronaldo, it is another chance to chase history. For DR Congo, it is an opportunity to write a new chapter after decades of absence from football’s biggest stage.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
