Does Bruno Fernandes play today? Portugal vs DR Congo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Portugal faces DR Congo this Wednesday (17) at NRG Stadium, in Houston (USA), in the first round of Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team led by Roberto Martínez, fifth in the FIFA rankings, is a big favorite against DR Congo, 46th placed, which returns to the tournament after 52 years of absence.
Bruno Fernandes emerges as the great maestro of the Portuguese midfield on his debut. At 31 years old, the Manchester United player (with a remarkable spell at Sporting) is a reference in creating plays, vision of the game and decision-making ability, both in setting up and when arriving in the area.
Bruno Fernandes, Portugal’s creative brain
Captain on several occasions and central piece in Martínez’s scheme, Bruno Fernandes stands out for his precision in long passes, medium-range shots and leadership on the field. In the match against the compact Congolese defense, his ability to find Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva or the full-backs at speed will be essential to unlock the game and generate clear scoring chances.
Rúben Dias missing in defense forces balance
Without the Manchester City defender, the defense has Gonçalo Inácio and Tomás Araújo. Bruno Fernandes gains even more responsibility in the defense-attack transition, helping to regroup while distributing the game to his teammates. DR Congo, with Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu up front, will try to exploit spaces left by the Portuguese midfield.
Probable lineups for the clash
Leia Também
VAR decides to cancel Colombia’s goal against Portugal after a thorough analysis of the tip of the boot, impacting the classification in Group K of the 2026 World Cup
Lautaro Martínez simply scores a great penalty in Jordan x Argentina at the 2026 World Cup
Rota officer and family member of Eloá Pimentel is ambushed by gunfire at a traffic light in ABC Paulista
Portugal (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Gonçalo Inácio, Tomás Araújo, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto (or Rafael Leão). DR Congo (5-3-2): Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku; Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy; Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu.
Portuguese favoritism with decisive midfield
The odds indicate a comfortable victory for Portugal, but the duel requires tactical intelligence. Bruno Fernandes’ performance in distribution and creation will be key to dominating possession and transforming technical superiority into goals from the start.
Where to watch live
In Brazil, the broadcast will be on CazéTV on YouTube, Prime Video and possibly SporTV or TV Globo. Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm (Brasília time). Follow carefully the moves orchestrated by Bruno Fernandes.
Portugal is looking for a perfect start in Group K. The protagonism of Bruno Fernandes, alongside CR7 and the young talents, can guarantee a convincing debut in the campaign in search of their first world title.
