Portugal vs DR Congo prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, June 17, 2026
In the first round of the World Cup on June 17, 2026, the national teams of Portugal and DR Congo will face off. The favorite in this matchup is obvious.
Portugal vs DR Congo: Team News and Expert Analysis
Portugal won the Europa League a year ago. Afterwards, they finished top of their group with thirteen points from six matches. In their 2026 friendlies, they mostly won as well, only settling for a 0-0 draw with Mexico. Most recently, they beat Nigeria.
DR Congo was among the last teams to qualify for the long-awaited World Cup. They finished second in their qualification group, then knocked out Cameroon, Nigeria, and, in June, Jamaica (only after extra time) in the playoffs. Meanwhile, in winter, they reached the Africa Cup of Nations playoffs but immediately lost to Algeria due to a single goal in the 119th minute. In a friendly against Denmark, they managed a goalless draw, but lost to Chile.
The European powerhouse averages 2.6 goals scored and 0.9 conceded per match. The African side averages 1.2 goals scored but only 0.3 conceded per match.
Previous matches: Portugal vs DR Congo
This will be the first head-to-head meeting between the national teams.
Ronaldo and his teammates are simply stronger and more experienced. We predict their victory with a -1.5 goal handicap (odds – 1.85).
Portugal vs DR Congo: Key Statistics and Trends
- Portugal have won four of their last five matches
- 50% of Portugal’s matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 3.5
- DR Congo won in regular time in just one of their last five matches
- 20% of DR Congo’s matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 1.5
Portugal vs DR Congo: Probable Starting Line-ups
Portugal's likely formation is 1-4-4-2: Diogo Costa - Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Rúben Dias, Nélson Semedo - Vitinha, João Neves, Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes - Francisco Trincão, Cristiano Ronaldo
DR Congo's likely formation is 1-4-5-1: Mpasi - Kayembe, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka - Mbuku, Mukau, Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Bongonda - Wissa
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team’s position in the World Cup standings
