Portugal vs DR Congo FIFA WC 2026: Kick-off time, venue, squads
Synopsis
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo steps onto the World Cup stage for what is expected to be the last time — and he does so against a DR Congo side ending a 52-year absence from football's biggest tournament. This Group K opener in Houston is far more than a warm-up fixture; it is the beginning of Ronaldo's final bid for the one trophy that has always been out of reach.
Key Takeaways
Portugal face DR Congo in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K opener on 17 June at 10:30 PM IST .
Venue: Houston Stadium, Texas, USA ; Referee: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim .
Cristiano Ronaldo , aged 41 , is expected to be playing in his sixth and final World Cup .
DR Congo are making only their second-ever World Cup appearance , ending a 52-year absence since their 1974 debut as Zaire.
Indian viewers can stream live on Zee5 (subscription required) or watch on Unite8 Sports 1/2 and their HD channels.
Group K also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan .
Portugal open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday, 17 June, with kick-off set for 10:30 PM IST at Houston Stadium, Texas, USA. Roberto Martinez's side enter the fixture as heavy favourites in Group K, which also features Colombia and Uzbekistan, and will be eager to bank three points from the opening match.
Ronaldo's Last Dance on the Biggest Stage
All eyes will inevitably settle on Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41 is widely expected to be appearing in his sixth and final World Cup. The Portuguese captain has collected the UEFA European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles across a storied international career, yet the World Cup remains the sole major honour that has eluded him. This tournament represents his last realistic opportunity to fill that gap.
DR Congo's Historic Return After 52 Years
For DR Congo, the occasion carries its own extraordinary weight. The nation last appeared at a World Cup in 1974 — competing under the name Zaire — making this a return after more than five decades. Coach Sebastien Desabre's squad will be determined to demonstrate that their qualification was no fluke and that they can compete against more established sides in Group K. Notably, this is only the second World Cup appearance in the country's history.
How to Watch Live in India
Indian viewers can follow the match through multiple platforms. Live streaming is available on the Zee5 platform and app, though a subscription is required. Live telecast will be carried on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
Key Match Details
Date and kick-off: Wednesday, 17 June, 10:30 PM IST
Venue: Houston Stadium, Texas, USA
Referee: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim
Full Squads
Portugal
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Nelson Semedo, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, Tomas Araujo
Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Samuel Costa, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva
Forwards: João Félix, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo
DR Congo
Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi, Mike Epolo
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Gedeon Kalulu, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Nathan Mukau, Charles Pickel, Ngal'ayel Mukau Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Theo Bongonda, Gael Kakuta
Forwards: Meschack Elia, Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa
With Ronaldo's World Cup clock ticking and DR Congo writing a new chapter in their football history, this Group K opener promises far more than its billing suggests.
Point of View
But that framing undersells DR Congo's significance. A nation returning to the World Cup after 52 years, with a squad built around Premier League regulars like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Yoane Wissa, is not a pushover. The real story here is not whether Portugal win — they almost certainly will — but whether Ronaldo, in what may be his final World Cup match, can set the tone for a deep run. Portugal have the squad depth to go far in 2026; the question is whether Martinez can manage Ronaldo's role without letting sentiment override tactics.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Portugal vs DR Congo at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Portugal face DR Congo on Wednesday, 17 June, at 10:30 PM IST at Houston Stadium in Texas, USA. The match is a Group K fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How can Indian fans watch Portugal vs DR Congo live?
Indian fans can stream the match live on the Zee5 platform and app (subscription required). Live telecast is available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
Is this Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo, who turns 41 in 2026, is widely expected to be participating in his sixth and final World Cup. The World Cup is the only major international trophy missing from his career, having won the UEFA European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles.
What is DR Congo's World Cup history?
DR Congo are making only their second World Cup appearance in history. Their sole previous participation came in 1974, when they competed as Zaire, making this a return after more than 52 years.
Which teams are in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K?
Group K consists of Portugal, DR Congo, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Portugal are widely regarded as the favourites to top the group and advance from the stage.
