FIFA World Cup 2026, Portugal vs DR Congo Preview: Cristiano Ronaldo Ronaldo’s Last Dance Begins

Last Updated:June 17, 2026, 13:26 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo begins what is likely his final World Cup as Portugal face DR Congo in Houston, with Roberto Martinez’s star-studded side targeting a winning start.

For Cristiano Ronaldo, the dream remains unfinished.

The Portugal captain has conquered almost every major stage football has to offer — European champion in 2016, two-time UEFA Nations League winner, five-time Ballon d’Or recipient and the game’s all-time leading international goalscorer.

Yet one prize continues to elude him: the FIFA World Cup.

On Wednesday, the 41-year-old begins what is almost certainly his sixth and final attempt to capture football’s biggest trophy when Portugal face DR Congo in their Group K opener at Houston’s NRG Stadium.

Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Mission

While the spotlight will inevitably follow Ronaldo throughout the tournament, this Portugal side is about far more than one man.

Head coach Roberto Martinez boasts one of the deepest and most balanced squads in the competition. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Joao Neves form a midfield unit capable of controlling any match, while Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao and Nuno Mendes provide attacking firepower from wide areas.

Portugal arrive in North America carrying genuine title ambitions and know a strong start could set the tone for the rest of their campaign.

With Colombia and Uzbekistan also part of Group K, three points against DR Congo would immediately strengthen Portugal’s hopes of finishing top of the group.

DR Congo’s Historic Return

Standing in Portugal’s way is a nation making a long-awaited return to football’s grandest stage.

DR Congo are appearing at their first World Cup since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire. Ending a 52-year absence was already a historic achievement, but Sebastien Desabre’s side arrive believing they can do more than simply make up the numbers.

The Congolese squad features familiar names including Yoane Wissa, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Cedric Bakambu, while their route to qualification showcased resilience and character.

Recent results have been mixed, but DR Congo will draw inspiration from Cape Verde’s shock goalless draw against Spain earlier in the tournament as proof that underdogs can compete on the biggest stage.

Prediction

Portugal possess too much quality, creativity and experience across the pitch.

DR Congo should remain organised and dangerous on the counterattack, but the gulf in class is difficult to ignore. Expect Portugal’s midfield to dominate possession and create enough opportunities for Ronaldo and company to make the difference.

Prediction: Portugal 3-1 DR Congo.

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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