Portugal begin their World Cup 2026 journey knowing expectations have rarely been higher. With a squad packed with Champions League winners, established stars and emerging talent, Roberto Martinez’s side arrive in North America carrying genuine hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time in the nation’s history. Standing in their way first are Congo DR, whose return to the World Cup after more than half a century represents one of the competition’s most remarkable stories.

For Portugal, anything less than a strong start would be viewed as a disappointment. For Congo DR, meanwhile, this is an opportunity to test themselves against one of the tournament favourites and show they belong on football’s biggest stage.

Analysis

Portugal Seeking To Fulfil Their Potential

Portugal have spent much of the past two decades assembling squads capable of challenging for major honours, yet the World Cup has remained frustratingly out of reach. Euro 2016 delivered a historic breakthrough, but there is a sense that this generation still has unfinished business.

Roberto Martinez has inherited one of the most balanced Portuguese squads in recent memory. Experience and leadership remain abundant, while younger players have added energy, creativity and tactical flexibility throughout the team.

Cristiano Ronaldo inevitably remains the focal point. The veteran striker enters what is expected to be his final World Cup determined to complete the one achievement missing from an extraordinary career. However, Portugal are no longer dependent on their captain alone.

Bruno Fernandes continues to orchestrate attacks from midfield, while Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes arrive full of confidence following another successful season at club level. The result is a side capable of controlling possession, creating chances and maintaining intensity across ninety minutes.

Recent performances have been encouraging rather than spectacular, but Portugal have developed a habit of finding solutions in different types of matches. That adaptability could become invaluable as the tournament progresses.

Congo DR Embracing Their Return To The Global Stage

Few nations arrive at this World Cup with less pressure and more enthusiasm than Congo DR. Their qualification ended a 52-year absence from the tournament and represented a landmark moment for football in the country.

Sebastien Desabre has built a side that is organised, resilient and difficult to break down. Rather than relying on individual brilliance, the Leopards have reached this stage through collective discipline and a clear tactical identity.

Defensive solidity is likely to be central to their approach once again. Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe bring valuable experience, while Arthur Masuaku provides balance on the left side of the defence. Against Portugal’s attacking depth, that backline will face its sternest examination yet.

Further forward, Congo DR possess players capable of causing problems on the counter-attack. Yoane Wissa’s pace and movement offer a genuine threat in transition, while Cedric Bakambu’s experience and finishing ability ensure opportunities cannot be wasted.

The challenge will be sustaining concentration for the full match. Portugal’s ability to move the ball quickly and stretch defensive structures could gradually create spaces that have not appeared against previous opponents.

Favourites Against Fearless Underdogs

The tactical battle is likely to be straightforward. Portugal should dominate possession and seek to dictate the tempo, while Congo DR will look to remain compact and exploit moments on the break.

For long periods, the African side may frustrate their opponents. Their defensive organisation and physicality should prevent Portugal from creating chances at will, particularly during the opening stages.

However, the longer the game progresses, the greater Portugal’s quality and squad depth should become a factor. Martinez has match-winners throughout the team, and few sides in the tournament possess the same variety of attacking options.

Congo DR will believe they can remain competitive, but Portugal have too much talent across too many areas of the pitch to be overlooked.

Verdict

Congo DR deserve enormous credit for reaching the World Cup and have enough structure and determination to make this a competitive contest. However, Portugal possess superior quality throughout the squad, greater experience at the highest level and multiple players capable of deciding matches. If they perform close to their potential, they should begin their campaign with three points.

Tip

Portugal to win. Congo DR’s organisation should keep the match competitive for a spell, but Portugal’s attacking quality and midfield control ought to prove decisive as the game develops.