Portugal Begin World Cup Campaign Against Returning DR Congo

Portugal will begin another quest for FIFA World Cup glory on Wednesday when they face DR Congo in their opening Group K match of the 2026 tournament.

Portugal enter the competition as one of the favorites, while DR Congo are making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years. The African nation last played at the tournament in 1974 under the name Zaire. On that occasion, they lost all three group-stage matches, conceding 14 goals and scoring just once.

This time, however, DR Congo will be hoping for a more competitive campaign. Standing in their way is a Portugal side led by 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won almost every major honor in football during his illustrious career but is still searching for a World Cup title.

Portugal’s most recent World Cup campaign ended in disappointment in 2022 when they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Morocco. Their best-ever World Cup finish remains third place in 1966. As they begin their 2026 campaign, Portugal’s primary objective will be to secure all three points and make a strong start in a group that also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Portugal have lost only two of their last 15 World Cup group-stage matches. One of those defeats came against South Korea in 2022. Defender Matheus Nunes said the squad is fully aware of the challenges posed by the World Cup.

“We know how demanding this tournament is. Every team that has qualified deserves to be here, and no opponent should be underestimated,” Nunes said.

He added that Portugal must approach every match as if it were a final.

“You only need eight wins to become world champions. Every game should be treated like a final. Some teams may appear weaker on paper, but football is unpredictable and anything can happen on the pitch,” he said.

Nunes also stressed the importance of hard work throughout the tournament, noting that every victory requires maximum effort over the full 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, defender Ruben Dias trained separately from the rest of the squad on Monday, although no official reason was provided. Portugal will be encouraged by their recent record against African opposition, having remained unbeaten in World Cup matches against African teams since losing to Morocco in 1986. Since then, Portugal have recorded four wins and one draw against African opponents in the tournament.

DR Congo’s preparations for the World Cup have not been straightforward. The team’s schedule was disrupted by concerns surrounding an Ebola outbreak, affecting travel arrangements ahead of the competition. Most members of the squad play professionally in Europe, with none currently playing in the Congolese domestic league.

The team was eventually allowed to enter the United States after spending 21 days in Belgium and Spain. Since arriving, DR Congo have played two warm-up matches, drawing 0-0 with Denmark and losing 2-1 to Chile.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre said his players have adapted well to the conditions and are now fully focused on the tournament.

“We have adjusted to the environment and conditions here. Our focus is now entirely on the matches ahead,” Desabre said.

“We have prepared well and played two friendly matches. Now it is time for the World Cup. We want to leave a positive impression in this competition.”

DR Congo secured their place at the 2026 World Cup by defeating Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in the intercontinental play-off.