DR Congo face Portugal on Wednesday 17 June 2026 in a Group K fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026, staged at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Portugal open their campaign against an African side returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire.
What is FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of football’s flagship men’s competition, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States from 11 June to 19 July 2026. It is the first World Cup featuring 48 teams, grouped into 12 pools of four. The top two finishers in each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a 32-team knockout stage.
Group K features Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia, with Portugal expected to battle Colombia for top spot.
When is Congo DR vs Portugal?
DR Congo vs Portugal kicks off at 13:00 ET (18:00 BST) on Wednesday 17 June 2026, which corresponds to a noon local start in Houston. It is the first of two Group K matches that day.
Where is Congo DR vs Portugal?
The match is played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, home to the NFL’s Houston Texans. The venue has a World Cup capacity of around 72,000 and features a retractable roof, which is particularly valuable for mid-June fixtures in the Texas heat. It is one of 11 US host stadiums for the 2026 tournament.
Key Contenders
Portugal qualified comfortably via UEFA group play under head coach Roberto Martinez. The squad remains built around Cristiano Ronaldo, with Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, and Ruben Dias supporting a generation that won the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League. Portugal are considered one of the tournament’s top contenders and strong favourites to top Group K.
DR Congo qualified from African group play and return to their first World Cup since 1974, when they participated as Zaire. The Leopards are coached by Sebastien Desabre and reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The squad features Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa, and Arthur Masuaku, and will look to use pace and physicality to trouble more technical opponents.
How to Watch
UK viewers can watch live on BBC or ITV, with streaming via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. In the United States, Fox Sports carries English-language coverage and Telemundo the Spanish-language feed. Canadian viewers can watch on TSN and CTV. Portuguese coverage is handled by RTP. FIFA+ provides global highlights.
History and Records
Portugal and DR Congo have no previous competitive meetings at senior World Cup level. Portugal’s best World Cup finish was third place in 1966, while Euro 2016 remains their only major international trophy at senior level. DR Congo’s only previous World Cup appearance, as Zaire in 1974, ended in a group-stage exit with three defeats.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are available via FIFA’s official portal at FIFA.com/tickets. Portugal fixtures traditionally attract strong demand given Ronaldo’s global appeal. Group-stage prices start from around 60 US dollars with hospitality and premium categories available. Official resale is available via FIFA’s resale platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Congo DR vs Portugal start?
The match kicks off at 13:00 ET (18:00 BST) on Wednesday 17 June 2026.
Where is Congo DR vs Portugal being held?
NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
How can I watch Congo DR vs Portugal?
BBC or ITV in the UK, Fox and Telemundo in the US, TSN and CTV in Canada, RTP in Portugal.
Is this DR Congo’s first World Cup since 1974?
Yes. The 2026 tournament is DR Congo’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire.