Portugal launch their latest bid to finally lift the FIFA World Cup when they face Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston, with the African nation making its first appearance at the tournament in 52 years.

Portugal Among Tournament Favourites

Roberto Martínez’s side arrive at the finals as one of the leading contenders for the trophy after enjoying an impressive run of form. Portugal have suffered just one defeat in their last 13 matches, winning ten and drawing two, while their most recent competitive outing produced a remarkable 9-1 victory over Armenia during the qualification campaign.

Despite their abundance of talent and consistent performances, success on football’s biggest stage has often proved elusive. Portugal have reached the World Cup semi-finals only once since their third-place finish in 1966 and have struggled to make fast starts in recent editions of the tournament.

They have won only one of their last four World Cup opening matches, drawing two and losing one. However, goals have rarely been in short supply, with the last three opening fixtures producing a combined total of 15 goals. Their sole victory in that sequence came against African opposition when they defeated Ghana 3-2 at the 2022 World Cup.

DR Congo Back on the Global Stage

For DR Congo, this marks a historic return to the World Cup after an absence stretching back to 1974, when they competed under the name Zaire.

Their only previous appearance ended in disappointment, as they lost all three group matches, conceding 14 goals without finding the net. However, qualification for the 2026 tournament represents a major achievement for coach Sébastien Desabre and his squad, who secured their place with a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in an inter-confederation play-off in March.

Preparation for the finals has not been ideal. An Ebola outbreak in the country has affected travel arrangements for supporters, while DR Congo failed to win either of their pre-tournament friendly matches. Nevertheless, Desabre will be hoping his players can announce themselves on the world stage with a competitive performance against one of the tournament favourites.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first-ever meeting between Portugal and DR Congo.

Portugal’s most recent World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak with a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Morocco, while they warmed up for this tournament with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria. DR Congo will be eager to avoid becoming another African scalp for Cristiano Ronaldo and company.

Players to Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to rewrite football history and enters the tournament as the only player to have scored in five different World Cups. Significantly, three of his last four goals at the finals have come against African opposition.

For DR Congo, much of the attacking responsibility will fall on experienced striker Cédric Bakambu. He scored four goals during qualification, with every one of those strikes arriving before half-time.

Key Statistics

• Portugal had scored in ten consecutive World Cup matches before being shut out by Morocco in 2022.
• Nine of Portugal’s last 13 matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
• Eighteen of DR Congo’s last 22 victories have come with a clean sheet.
• Each of the last four goals conceded by DR Congo arrived after the 50th minute.

Prediction

Portugal possess quality throughout the pitch and should have too much firepower for a DR Congo side making its first World Cup appearance in more than five decades. While the African nation will be highly motivated, Portugal’s attacking depth and experience at major tournaments make them overwhelming favourites.

Prediction: Portugal 3-0 DR Congo