FIFA World Cup 2026 Odds: Portugal vs. DR Congo Betting Picks
Get ready for Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup as Portugal introduces a masterful squad this year, taking on DR Congo. The central African nation qualifies for the tournament for the second time ever with immense pride and extremely high hopes.
Check out our full list of live 2026 World Cup betting odds.
Portugal vs. DR Congo FIFA World Cup: How to Watch and Match Info
- June 17, 1:00 pm ET at Houston Stadium, Houston TX
- Streaming on TSN, TSN+
- Houston Stadium is indoors, but the forecast in the area indicates 30°C temperatures with predicted heavy thunderstorms, 65 per cent precipitation, 72 per cent humidity.
Portugal vs. DR Congo Betting Odds
Portugal lead the way as major -350 favourites, with DR Congo your dark horse of this matchup at +1000 odds. A draw is expected at +475, with the game result leaning towards over 2.5 total goals at -145, as the under 2.5 sits at +115.
Portugal vs. DR Congo Predicted Starting XI Lineups
Portugal predicted starting XI (4-3-3):
Portugal, the Nations League winners, are back for their ninth World Cup competition, this time under the guidance of Roberto Martinez, as they stack their heavy firepower and pace in a likely 4-3-3 setup.
- GK: Diogo Costa
- Defenders: Nuno Mendes (LB), Ruben Dias (CB), Gancalo Inacio (CB), Joao Cancelo (RB)
- Midfielders: Joao Neves (CM), Vitinha (CM), Bruno Fernandes (CM)
- Attackers: Goncalo Guedes (LW), Cristiano Ronaldo (CF), Pedro Neto (RW)
DR Congo predicted starting XI (4-4-2):
DR Congo, the AFCON Round of 16 contestants, are excited to show their footballing ability at the World Cup stage for the first time in over 50 years. Coached by Sebastian Desabre, who has significantly helped the team, DR Congo is expected to deploy a 4-4-2 (or 5-3-2) formation.
- GK: Lionel Mpasi
- Defenders: Arthur Masuaku (LB), Axel Tuanzebe (CB), Chancel Mbemba (CB), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB)
- Midfielders: Nathanael Mbuku (LM), Samuel Moutoussamy (CM), Noah Sadiki (CM), Théo Bongonda (RM)
- Attackers: Yoane Wissa (ST), Cedric Bakambu (ST)
Portugal FIFA World Cup Odds and News
The Portuguese squad is no stranger to silverware, collecting the Euro 2016 trophy along with the 2019 and most recent 2025 Nations League trophy. The European side may have never won a World Cup before, but with a loaded roster including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes, Pedro Neto, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and other stars, they are mighty potent contenders.
Portugal concluded their qualifiers with a 4-1-1 record, losing only one game to Ireland back in November 2025, with 20 goals to show for. Ronaldo looks for his ninth World Cup goal while leading the way as the afternoon’s highest likely goalscorer anytime at -140.
DR Congo FIFA World Cup Odds and News
DR Congo set up for their second-ever World Cup tournament appearance after defeating Jamaica 1-0 in the World Cup qualifying playoff tournament last March. The team features several standout players such as Wan-Bissaka and Yoane Wissa, who will look to make their mark this year.
DR Congo won two of their last five matches (including friendlies) since January, and while the side looked defensively sound in AFCON and the WC qualifiers, with only three goals allowed in those five, they’ll have to do a bit more offensively, with only four goals to their name since then. Cedric Bakambu leads his nation in highest chance to score at +550.
Portugal vs. DR Congo Player Odds and Props
The Real Sociedad attacker Gonçalo Guedes enters this matchup after scoring eight goals in just 22 games for the Spanish club, as well as his last international friendly match against Chile.
The starting DR Congo and Le Havre keeper has recorded just one clean sheet in his last two international friendlies, and should prepare to be hounded by Portugal’s offence.
World Cup 2026 Bracket and Futures
Portugal vs. DR Congo Score Prediction
Portugal is one of the top five teams projected to win it all, with a massively stacked roster featuring high-quality players from top-flight leagues all over. It will take something truly special from DR Congo here, as the result will likely be 5-1 in favour of the European’s due to their experience and attacking firepower.