Does Rúben Dias 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. Roberto Martínez’s team, fifth in the FIFA rankings, is a big favorite against DR Congo, 46th place, which returns to the tournament after 52 years of absence.
Rúben Dias, pillar of the Portuguese defense, is confirmed absent for the debut. The Manchester City defender continues to recover from injury and will not be available, forcing important adjustments to the Portuguese defensive line.
Rúben Dias, the defense leader who will be left out
Absolute starter and reference in defense, Rúben Dias stands out for his leadership, strength in aerial duels, anticipation and good ball release. Sua ausência representa uma perda significativa de experiência e organização defensiva para Portugal. Martínez will need to compensate with the youth and technical quality of Gonçalo Inácio and Tomás Araújo, who form the new duo.
Adjustments in the defense with Inácio and Araújo
Without Rúben Dias, the defense has Gonçalo Inácio and Tomás Araújo in the center, while João Cancelo and Nuno Mendes play on the flanks. The young duo will have greater responsibility to contain DR Congo’s quick counterattacks, led by Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu. The midfield with Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves will also gain an extra protective role.
Probable lineups for the clash
Leia Também
Striker Estêvão details the emotional impact of a serious injury that made his trip to the World Cup unfeasible
YouTuber Jesse Ridgway and wife terminate pregnancy after Down syndrome diagnosis and suffer threats
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex release new records to celebrate daughter Lilibet’s fifth birthday
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/João Félix). 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 despite the drop in defense
The odds continue to point to a comfortable victory for Portugal, but the absence of Rúben Dias requires greater attention to the opponent’s spaces and transitions. The technical quality of the squad, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, should prevail, but the test at the back will be one of the points of observation of the debut.
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 new defensive configuration without Rúben Dias.
Portugal is looking for a perfect start in Group K. Overcoming the absence of Rúben Dias in the debut represents the first major collective challenge in the campaign in search of the unprecedented world title.
