Cristiano Ronaldo, who led Portugal to two UEFA Nations League and one EURO title, will look to guide his country to its maiden FIFA World Cup title. | Photo Credit: AP

It exited in the quarterfinals at the hands of ‌another ⁠African side, Morocco in 2022 while its best finish is ⁠third in 1966. A positive start is important in a pool that also contains Colombia and Uzbekistan.

It has lost only two of its last 15 World Cup group-stage matches, but one of those was to ​South Korea in 2022.

Portugal is unbeaten in its last five World Cup group-stage matches against African opponents, recording four wins and a draw since a 3-1 loss to Morocco in 1986.

DRC has had a disrupted build-up to the tournament due to the Ebola virus outbreak back home.

The majority of their players are based in Europe, and none play for clubs in the DRC, but were subjected to a 21-day stay in camp in ‌Belgium and Spain before being allowed to enter the United States.

The team has since been well received ​in Houston and have looked relaxed and ready for the tournament, despite a 0-0 draw with Denmark and a 1-2 loss to Chile in friendlies.

DRC booked its ticket to this year’s finals through the World Cup intercontinental play-off ​tournament, defeating Jamaica 1-0 in extra time.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Published on Jun 17, 2026