DR Congo face Portugal in Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, live from NRG Stadium on June 17, 2026. Here’s how to watch live on TV.
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- TV Channels: FOX, Telemundo, Universo
How to Watch DR Congo vs. Portugal on June 17, 2026
You can watch Portugal take on DR Congo live with DIRECTV on FOX, Telemundo, Universo on June 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET.
DR Congo (0-0-0) vs. Portugal (0-0-0) — Group K Match Preview
DR Congo open their Group K campaign against Portugal at NRG Stadium in Houston, two sides arriving with very different histories at this stage. For DR Congo this is only a second World Cup appearance and a first since 1974, when they competed as Zaire as the first sub-Saharan African team to reach the tournament, and Sebastien Desabre’s squad reached the 2026 finals the hard way through an intercontinental playoff, beating Nigeria and then edging Jamaica on a 100th-minute goal. Portugal arrive as UEFA group winners under Roberto Martinez, a deep and talented group whose best World Cup finish remains 3rd back in 1966. Cedric Bakambu gives DR Congo a proven scorer up front with 21 international goals, while Yoane Wissa adds a sharp secondary threat off Newcastle’s books.
On the other side Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal into a record sixth World Cup at age 41, carrying 228 caps and 143 international goals, with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings in midfield behind him. Chancel Mbemba captains the DR Congo back line off a record 107 caps, the experienced anchor against a Portugal attack stacked with elite club names. A team that lost all three matches in 1974 and conceded 14 goals along the way is still chasing a first World Cup win, and the group opener sets the tone for that pursuit.
National TV
FOX, Telemundo, Universo
What Time is the Portugal vs. DR Congo Match Today?
The DR Congo vs. Portugal match starts at 1:00 PM ET.
Where Can I Watch DR Congo vs. Portugal?
You can watch DR Congo vs. Portugal on FOX, Telemundo and Universo.
Players to Watch: DR Congo vs. Portugal
DR Congo
Cedric Bakambu — Striker. The Real Betis forward brings 21 international goals into the tournament and remains DR Congo’s most reliable finisher in front of goal. His movement in the box gives Desabre’s side a focal point against a Portugal defense built around top-tier club centre-backs.
Yoane Wissa — Forward. The Newcastle attacker offers a second line of threat for DR Congo, pairing pace with a willingness to run in behind. Alongside Bakambu he gives the front line two distinct profiles to trouble defenders.
Chancel Mbemba — Center-back. The captain anchors the back line off a record 107 caps for DR Congo, the most experienced head in the squad. His reading of the game will be central to slowing a Portugal attack carrying serious club pedigree.
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo — Forward. The captain steps into a record sixth World Cup at age 41, having amassed 226 caps and 143 international goals across his career. Even now he remains the reference point for everything Portugal build going forward.
Bruno Fernandes — Midfielder. The Manchester United playmaker arrives in the form of his life and supplies the creative spark from central midfield. His passing range and set-piece delivery make him Portugal’s chief supply line into the final third.
Ruben Dias — Center-back. The Manchester City defender is the leader of Portugal’s back line and the steadying presence behind a star-laden attack. His positioning and aerial command set the tone for how Portugal defend as a unit.
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