Ronaldo’s last dance as Portugal face DR Congo in World Cup: All to know

Published 16 June 2026 · sports

Who: Portugal vs DR Congo What: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match Where: Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas, United States When: Wednesday, 12pm (17:00 GMT)

Who: Portugal vs DR Congo What: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match Where: Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas, United States When: Wednesday, 12pm (17:00 GMT) How to follow: Keep up with all updates on Al Jazeera Sport Portugal will seek to put 60 years of World Cup hurt behind them when their 2026 campaign begins with a Group K clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston. While it’s England fans who harken back to the glory days of 1966, the Three Lions have had it considerably better than Portugal since then. Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is seeking to add to his legend by scoring in a sixth World Cup and is dreaming of lifting the only major trophy to elude him in his final tournament. Their group stage begins with a clash with DR Congo, who have qualified for just the second time but await their first goal – and point – in a World Cup fixture. Can Ronaldo crown career by helping Portugal to first World Cup trophy? It’s been 60 years since Portugal’s best World Cup showing, a third-place finish inspired by Eusebio in England in 1966 on their tournament debut. They have only returned to the semifinals once since, in 2006, and disappointingly went out in the last eight in Qatar 2022 to Morocco after cruising through a tricky group and then pummelling Switzerland 6-1 in the round of 16. While they do have trophies to show for this golden era – the 2016 UEFA European Championships (Euro 2016) and Nations League last year after a shootout win over Spain – the World Cup has always been the one which got away. Widely considered to be a contender this time, confidence should be high with Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nune Mendes fresh from helping French super club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to a second straight Champions League title, while Bruno Fernandes shone for Manchester United, registering a Premier League record 21 assists. And then there’s Cristiano, who endured a season of frustration with Saudi club side Al-Nassr, despite netting 30 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions.

Ronaldo is the only survivor from Portugal’s Euros 2016 triumph, and entering World Cup 2026, he is the only man to have scored in five editions of the tournament (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022). However, of his eight World Cup goals, none have come in knockout games, and he was dropped for the Switzerland game in Qatar – his first non-start at a major tournament in 14 years. His only goal in the last World Cup came from a penalty, and he was scoreless at Euro 2024, when another quarterfinal exit followed on penalties to France. Should Portugal finish top of Group K, they will play their last-32 match against a third-placed finisher, and it would coincide with the anniversary of forward Diogo Jota’s death on July 3. The e Liverpool forward passed away in a road accident shortly after helping Portugal lift the UEFA Nations League, and the players are set to wear wristbands in his memory during the match. DR Congo look to write new history on World Cup return After being pipped to automatic tournament entry by Senegal, DR Congo eventually qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years – previously competing as Zaire – with a 1-0 win over Jamaica in their intercontinental playoff in Mexico in March. Their preparations have been hampered due to an Ebola outbreak, and Portugal is a tough ask to begin their campaign, but the meeting with Uzbekistan on June 27 could give Sebastien Desabre’s men the chance of finishing third in the group and securing a potential knockout tie. While they may not be household names, DR Congo boast plenty of English Premier League experience. Their defence features West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley, who scored the extra-time goal which saw them qualify, as well as Sunderland left-back Arthur Masuaku. His 20-year-old Sunderland teammate Noah Sadiki has been a revelation in the midfield, and Newcastle United’s Yoane Wissa and 35-year-old Cedric Bakambu of Real Betis will lead the line against Portugal.