Ronaldo begins final quest against returning DR Congo
Portugal launch their bid for a maiden World Cup title against a DR Congo side making their first appearance at the finals since 1974.
Portugal arrive in Houston as Group K favourites and genuine title contenders under Roberto Martinez. They are unbeaten in 2026, most recently securing a 2-1 victory over Nigeria. With the squad at full strength, Martinez has an 'embarrassment of riches' at his disposal as the Selecao look to improve on a record of just one win in their last four World Cup openers.
DR Congo, managed by Sebastien Desabre, are back on the world stage for the first time in 52 years, previously competing as Zaire. While they suffered a 2-1 loss to Chile in their last outing, the Leopards are a physical, well-drilled unit that reached the AFCON last-16 recently. They will likely target their final group game against Uzbekistan as their primary route to the knockouts, but a result here would be historic.
Goals scored and conceded.
Per-game averages at this tournament — updates as the games are played.
Both teams across every game at this tournament.
PortugalCongo DR
Every tournament game combined — Portugal 5 games, Congo DR 4 games.
PortugalCongo DRPast meetings.
No prior meetings on record.
Their recent form.
The road to the final.
Twelve groups into a 32-team knockout · 72 of 72 group games played · fills in as every result lands.
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21
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0010301141223320 (4)0 (3)20211231021210461 (3)1 (4)30011 (2)1 (3)2130203221122021321 (2)1 (4)2010010301141223320 (4)0 (3)2021123102121046