Portugal debuts in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this Wednesday (17), against DR Congo, at 2 pm (Brasília time), at NRG Stadium, in Houston. Coach Roberto Martínez has a high-level squad at his disposal, but the main doubt is in defense with the physical condition of Rúben Dias.
The Portuguese team arrives as favorites in Group K and seeks to start with victory to take the lead. The experienced midfield and the attack with Cristiano Ronaldo are the biggest assets. DR Congo, back in the World Cup after 52 years, relies on a compact defense and counterattacks with its Premier League players.
Rúben Dias is the big doubt
The Manchester City defender has trained separately in recent days because of an injury and is doubtful for the match. If he doesn’t play, Tomás Araújo should form a pair with Gonçalo Inácio. This absence would alter the defensive solidity against the Congolese’s fast attack.
Probable lineup for Portugal
Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Gonçalo Inácio (or Tomás Araújo), Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto (or Rafael Leão). Base formation: 4-3-3. Coach: Roberto Martínez.
The team should prioritize ball possession and creation in the middle with Vitinha and Neves, while Bruno Fernandes plays more advanced. Ronaldo, at 41 years old, leads the attack in search of another career milestone.
Probable lineup for DR Congo
Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku; Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy; Yoane Wissa, Meschack Elia (or Mukau), Cédric Bakambu. Approximate formation: 5-3-2 or 3-4-3 defensive. Coach: Sébastien Desabre.
The African team does not record confirmed absences. The focus is on defensive consistency with Mbemba and company, in addition to Wissa’s speed and Bakambu’s experience in attack.
Key clashes in the lineups
The duel between the Portuguese midfield and the Congolese marking should decide the pace. Cancelo and Nuno Mendes offer offensive options on the flanks, while Wan-Bissaka tries to neutralize the Portuguese attacks. The presence or absence of Dias could open gaps for rival counterattacks.
Where to watch live
The match will be broadcast on CazéTV (YouTube), Prime Video and possibly SporTV or TV Globo, depending on the schedule. The game marks the beginning of Portugal’s campaign in search of an unprecedented title.
The likely lineups reinforce Portuguese favoritism, but DR Congo promises resistance. The initial performance of Ronaldo and the trio of midfielders will be fundamental to the result.
