Portugal launch their 2026 World Cup campaign on Tuesday evening when they face DR Congo in Houston in the opening fixture of Group K.Portugal vs DR Congo betting tipsPortugal to win to nil at 5/6 with SpreadexCristiano Ronaldo to score at EVS with BOYLE Sports (Super Boost)Cedric Bakambu to be booked at 10/3 with bet365Portugal to win to nil, Ronaldo to score, Bakambu carde at 11/1 with bet365Portugal vs DR Congo predicted lineupsPortugal (4-3-3): D Costa (GK); Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; J Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; B Silva, Ronaldo, NetoDR Congo (3-5-2): Mpasi-Nzau (GK); Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba; Wan-Bissaka, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau, Masuaku; Wissa, BakambuPortugal vs DR Congo head to head overviewDate: Wednesday 17th June 2026Kick-off: 6pmVenue: NRG Stadium, Houston, USAHow to watch: BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport websiteReferee: Abulrahman Al Jassim (Qatar)Favourite to win: Portugal – 3/10 with SpreadexPortugal vs DR Congo predictionWidely regarded as one of the stronger contenders heading into the tournament, Portugal are expected by many to challenge deep into the competition, with some tipping them to go all the way and lift the trophy in New York/New Jersey on 19 July.Their North American adventure begins against the Democratic Republic of the Congo before further group-stage encounters with Uzbekistan in Houston and Colombia in Miami.Roberto Martinez’s side arrive at the World Cup full of confidence after securing their second UEFA Nations League title last summer, overcoming reigning European champions Spain in the final in Munich.Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history once again, with the veteran forward becoming only the first player to appear at six World Cup tournaments. The Portuguese captain will also be aiming to become the first footballer to score in six separate editions of the competition.Now 41, Ronaldo already stands alone as the highest goalscorer in men’s international football and will be eager to add to his remarkable tally as he targets another milestone on the road towards 1,000 senior career goals.Portugal’s preparations for the tournament could hardly have gone much better, with victories over the United States, Chile and Nigeria extending their winning run to three matches and further boosting belief within an exceptionally talented squad.Meanwhile, DR Congo are preparing for a landmark occasion as they take part in a World Cup match for the first time in more than half a century. It will also be their first appearance at the tournament since the nation was known as Zaire prior to its renaming in 1997.The Leopards possess a squad packed with quality and top-level experience, including players such as Yoane Wissa, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Noah Sadiki. As a result, they will be confident of claiming both their first World Cup point and first World Cup goal during this summer’s tournament, potentially as early as their opening fixture.Since taking charge in August 2022, Sébastien Desabre has overseen significant progress within the national team. The French coach guided DR Congo to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals in 2024 before reaching the last 16 earlier this year, helping to build a side capable of making a strong impression on the global stage.Portugal will be looking to signal their intent in their first World Cup appearance, with a few of the pre-tournament favourites not being too convincing in their performances so far – a fairly comfortable 2-0 Portugal win perhaps on the cards tonight.Portugal vs DR Congo best betsPortugal’s perfect startPortugal begin their World Cup journey on Wednesday night with a first-ever meeting against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who are appearing at the finals for the first time since 1974, when they competed under the name Zaire.Expectations are high for Roberto Martinez’s men, who will arrive in North America believing they have the quality to challenge for the biggest prize in international football and potentially claim a maiden World Cup crown. The tournament is also widely expected to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance on the sport’s grandest stage.The Portuguese head into the competition brimming with belief following their UEFA Nations League triumph last year, where they overcame European champions and tournament favourites Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout after an enthralling final in Munich.Recent form has only strengthened confidence within the squad. Portugal have won each of their last three outings and have suffered just a single defeat in their previous 13 matches. In contrast, DR Congo have managed only one victory inside 90 minutes across their five games in 2026, with that success coming against a Bermuda side ranked 167th in the world.Portugal to win to nil at 5/6 with SpreadexRonaldo rampant againRonaldo remains the focal point of Portugal’s attack despite turning 41 earlier this year. The legendary forward holds the all-time men’s international scoring record with 143 goals from 228 appearances for his country.As he prepares for an unprecedented sixth World Cup campaign, Ronaldo arrives in impressive form after netting 28 times in the Saudi Pro League last season, while also scoring eight goals in his last eight competitive matches for Portugal.Cristiano Ronaldo to score at EVS with BOYLE Sports (Super Boost)Bakambu back in the bookAt the other end, DR Congo will look to experienced forward Cedric Bakambu for inspiration.The Real Betis striker has collected more yellow cards than any of his international teammates since the start of the nation’s World Cup qualifying campaign and will be eager to make his mark as the Leopards return to football’s biggest tournament after a 52-year absence.Cedric Bakambu to be booked at 10/3 with bet365Portugal vs DR Congo latest oddsFind the latest Portugal vs DR Congo betting odds here, odds courtesy of Spreadex and are subject to change.Portugal – 3/10Draw – 9/2DR Congo – 10/1More World Cup predictionsFind more predictions and betting tips from our expert punters in our match previews on the World Cup!Stay up to date with all the latest World Cup tips & predictions, World Cup Top Goalscorer Odds, World Cup Group Winner Odds, World Cup Match Previews and all the best World Cup Betting Offers and Free Bets in our dedicated betting hubCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. 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