Group K · Match Day 1 · Jun 17, 2026
Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Begins
Portugal open their campaign against a DR Congo side back at the World Cup after 52 years. Everything you need to watch this Group K opener in Houston.
Portugal
Euro 2016 winners
|
VS
1 PM ET
Jun 17
|
DR Congo
1st since 1974
|
1:00 PM ET, Wednesday June 17 at NRG Stadium, Houston. US: Fox, Telemundo, Tubi (free). Portugal: RTP (free). UK: BBC (free). DR Congo: beIN Sports.
|
Date
Wed Jun 17
|
Kickoff ET
1:00 PM
|
Free US
Tubi
|
Kickoff Time by Country
 New York (ET) |
1:00 PM | Jun 17 |
| Houston (CT, local) |
12:00 PM | Jun 17 |
| Los Angeles (PT) |
10:00 AM | Jun 17 |
 Lisbon (WEST) |
6:00 PM | Jun 17 |
 Kinshasa (WAT) |
6:00 PM | Jun 17 |
 London (BST) |
6:00 PM | Jun 17 |
 Rio (BRT) |
2:00 PM | Jun 17 |
 Paris (CEST) |
7:00 PM | Jun 17 |
 Dubai (GST) |
9:00 PM | Jun 17 |
 New Delhi (IST) |
10:30 PM | Jun 17 |
 Sydney (AEST) |
3:00 AM | Jun 18 |
 Tokyo (JST) |
2:00 AM | Jun 18 |
TV Channels by Country
Where to watch Portugal vs DR Congo live in each region. Green means free to air.
|
Portugal |
RTP1Sport TV |
|
DR Congo |
beIN SportsCanal+RTNC |
 USA |
FoxTelemundoTubiPeacock |
 UK |
BBC OneBBC iPlayer |
 France |
TF1beIN Sports |
 Brazil |
GloboSporTV |
Ronaldo’s last World Cup opens against a side returning after 52 years
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo begins what is almost certainly his sixth and final World Cup. Standing in his way are DR Congo, back at football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1974, a 52-year wait finally over. Portugal have the deeper, more talented squad; DR Congo have the emotion and a defence built to frustrate.
Match Preview
This Group K opener sets the tone for both teams. Portugal, under Roberto Martínez, arrive as genuine contenders to win the whole tournament. The squad is absurdly deep: Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha in midfield, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão providing width and invention, Rúben Dias marshalling the defence, and Ronaldo leading the line. Portugal have averaged over three goals per game in recent competitive fixtures and dominate possession, typically holding more than 70 percent of the ball.
DR Congo, coached by Sébastien Desabre, are a physical, well-drilled side that defends deep and counters fast. Captain Chancel Mbemba anchors a back line that conceded barely more than half a goal per game across qualifying. Aaron Wan-Bissaka brings Premier League quality at right-back, Yoane Wissa of Newcastle carries the main attacking threat, and veteran Gaël Kakuta adds creativity. Their warm-up draw with Denmark showed they will not be overawed in Houston.
The key question is whether DR Congo’s organised, experienced defence can absorb Portugal’s attacking variety for 90 minutes. History strongly favours established European nations against first-time modern returnees, and the gulf in squad depth is real. But if Portugal start slowly, DR Congo have the discipline to make this uncomfortable.
|
Prediction
POR 2-0
|
Goals
Over 2.5
|
BTTS
No
|
Pick
Ronaldo scorer
|
Key Players
PORTUGAL · Coach: Roberto Martínez| Cristiano Ronaldo Forward · Al-Nassr · 41, sixth and final World Cup |
| Bruno Fernandes (C) Midfielder · Man United · Creative engine |
| Rafael Leão Winger · AC Milan · Pace and end product |
| Rúben Dias Centre back · Man City · Defensive leader |
| Vitinha Midfielder · PSG · Controls tempo |
DR CONGO · Coach: Sébastien Desabre| Chancel Mbemba (C) Centre back · Captain, defensive rock |
| Yoane Wissa Forward · Newcastle · Main goal threat |
| Aaron Wan-Bissaka Right back · West Ham · PL quality |
| Gaël Kakuta Playmaker · Creative spark at 34 |
| Axel Tuanzebe Centre back · Sealed qualification |
NRG Stadium, Houston
|
72,220
Capacity
|
2002
Opened
|
|
Texans
NFL home
|
Retractable
Roof
|
NRG Stadium is home to the NFL’s Houston Texans and was the first NFL venue with a fully retractable roof. That climate control matters in Houston’s June heat, which can top 33C. The stadium hosts seven World Cup 2026 matches, and the air-conditioned interior should suit both Portugal’s passing game and the early afternoon kickoff.
Head to Head
|
0
wins |
0
Draws
|
0
wins |
Odds · Portugal vs DR Congo
Portugal are heavy favourites. Value in Ronaldo anytime scorer and over 2.5 goals.
|
POR
1.30
|
Draw
5.50
|
COD
9.00
|
Common Questions
What time does Portugal vs DR Congo kick off?
Kickoff is 1:00 PM ET on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at NRG Stadium, Houston (12 PM local CT). That is 6:00 PM in Lisbon, 6:00 PM in Kinshasa, and 6:00 PM BST in the UK.
What channel is Portugal vs DR Congo on in the US?
Fox carries the English broadcast and Telemundo the Spanish call. Tubi streams the match free. Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Peacock also carry it.
Is this Ronaldo’s last World Cup?
Almost certainly. Ronaldo is 41 and this is his sixth World Cup, a record. He has said he expects this to be his final appearance at the tournament, making every Portugal match potentially historic.
How can I watch Portugal vs DR Congo for free?
Tubi is free in the US. RTP1 is free in Portugal. BBC One and iPlayer are free in the UK. TF1 is free in France. Globo is free in Brazil.
When did DR Congo last play at a World Cup?
DR Congo last appeared in 1974, when they competed as Zaire. The 2026 tournament marks their return after a 52-year absence, only their second World Cup ever.
Where is the match being played?
At NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, home of the NFL’s Houston Texans. It has a retractable roof for climate control and hosts seven World Cup 2026 matches.
Have Portugal and DR Congo played before?
No. This is the first ever meeting between the two nations at any level, making this Group K opener a genuine piece of football history.
What is Group K at the 2026 World Cup?
Group K contains Portugal, DR Congo, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Portugal are favourites to top the group, with Colombia expected to be their main rival for first place.
