FIFA World Cup 2026: Spotlight shifts to Ronaldo after Messi's hat-trick as Portugal face DR Congo

One of the anticipated storylines of the FIFA 2026 World Cup continues today. After Lionel Messi’s stunning hat-trick performance, leading to Argentina’s prolific victory over Algeria, all eyes will be on his sporting nemesis, Cristiano Ronaldo, as Portugal takes the field against DR Congo in today's group match.After Messi’s appearance in his career’s sixth World Cup, Ronaldo will level his nemesis for the milestone in match 23 of the tournament. The Portuguese icon has featured in 22 World Cup matches so far. With 8 goals and 2 assists, the star footballer remains a key player in Portugal’s campaign.

Lionel Messi, on the other hand, has made 27 appearances, delivering 16 goals and 8 assists in the tournament, holding a slight lead over his rival.

Cristiano Ronaldo fans will be hoping for his successful campaign as the 41-year-old will potentially appear in his final FIFA World Cup this season.Portugal has featured in 35 World Cup matches so far. With 17 wins, 6 draws, and 12 losses, scoring 61 goals while conceding 41. Cristiano Ronaldo’s squad will be facing Congo in their opening game. However, DR Congo will be making their first appearance in the tournament in 52 years.

Portugal has won 7 out of their last 10 games, including a 9-1 commanding victory over Armenia in a World Cup qualifier. The team stands sixth in the FIFA standings and will look forward to claiming the title.Portugal’s Arsenal looks very strong this World Cup season, with the team featuring footballing sensation Cristiano Ronaldo himself. The side includes the best midfield attack of the tournament with Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, João Neves and Bernardo Silva.

Portugal has the capacity to dominate with wide threats such as Pedro Neto and Rafael Leão, boosting its goalscoring probability.Congo’s performance in its last 10 games has not been very encouraging, as the side has only succeeded in 5 games, including a World Cup qualifier. The underdogs will look forward to establishing themselves on the map.

What time will the Portugal vs DR Congo 2026 FIFA World Cup, Group K match start?

The match will start at 10:30 pm IST.

Where will the Portugal vs DR Congo FIFA World Cup, Group K match be played?

The match is scheduled to be played at the Houston Stadium, HoustonPortugal vs DR Congo, Predicted XIs for 2026 FIFA World CupPortugal (4-2-3-1): Ronaldo(C), Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inácio, Mendes; Vitinha, J.

Neves; Silva, Fernandes, Neto.DR Congo (4-5-1): Mbemba(C), Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Elia, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau, Mbuku; Wissa.Portugal vs DR Congo team squad news for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Portugal 26-Man Squad (Coach: Roberto Martínez )

GK: Diogo Costa(C), José Sá, Rui Silva, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Nélson Semedo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, João Neves, Rúben Neves, Matheus Nunes, Samuel Costa, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Ramos, João Félix, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceição, Francisco Trincão, Gonçalo Guedes.

DR Congo 26-Man Squad (Coach: Sebastien Desabre)

GK: Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Meschack Elia, Silas Katompa, Theo Bongonda, Grady Diangana, Charles Pickel, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Gaël Kakuta, Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika, Gédéon Kalulu, Rocky Bushiri, Joris Kayembe, Henock Inonga, Lionel Mpasi, Dimitry Bertaud, Timothy Fayulu, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Afimico Pululu.

Portugal vs DR Congo, 2026 FIFA World Cup, Group K: Match Prediction

Cristiano’s squad looks very strong with its formidable attacking line-up. Winning 3 consecutive games ahead of the FIFA World Cup, the Portuguese side will take on the field with an approach to dominate. The match may conclude with a 3-0 score with Portugal claiming the win.

Where to watch Portugal vs DR Congo, 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K Match?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be streamed live on the ZEE5 website and application and will be telecast live on the following channels: Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD. Fans in India can watch the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on these platforms.