Portugal vs. Congo prediction, lineups, odds and bet builder tips for World Cup Group K match

Portugal kick off their latest bid to win a maiden World Cup against DR Congo today

The Iberian nation are one of the best football sides never to lift the famous trophy and this surely will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance to win it and complete the set for his career. 

Roberto Martinez’s management of the 41-year-old will be crucial with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Joao Neves now the true stars of the national team. 

They should have little trouble progressing out of Group K, which also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan, but the Congolese could be a trickier opponent than expected. 

The Leopards are competing in just their second-ever tournament, 52 years on from their debut when the country was known as Zaire. 

Axel Tuanzebe was the match-winning hero in the playoff win over Jamaica and is one of several recognisable names in the squad. Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa and West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka will also be key to any hopes of a knockout berth. 

Here are our best tips and predictions for Portugal vs. DR Congo. Ronaldo enters the tournament just three hours before Harry Kane and co. — you can back England to win or draw vs. Croatia at 60/1 on Paddy Power or take the same 60/1 odds on Sky Bet for there to be a goal in the Three Lions’ opener.

Portugal vs. Congo prediction: Who will win?

We are expecting an exciting game under the Texas sun with Portugal’s superior class proving the difference in the end. 

Martinez knows that a win will put his side in control of Group K. He will look to win the game early and get Ronaldo and others rested for bigger tests that lie ahead. 

While we’re backing the one-time European champions to do the business, we do think DR Congo will score their first-ever World Cup goal and spark huge celebrations in the sub-Sahara African nation. 

Prediction: Portugal 3-1 DR Congo (12/1 with Bet365)

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Portugal vs. Congo best bets

We’ve picked out four best bets for Portugal’s clash with DR Congo and explored key match facts:

Portugal to win (2/7 with Betfred)

Given our predicted score, this is an obvious first place to start. 

While Portugal haven’t hugely impressed at tournaments since their Euro 2016 success, they have still usually won their first game, albeit not always in the most convincing fashion. 

Not since the 2014 World Cup when Germany hammered them 4-0 have they not picked up a point or more and we think they’re very likely to get all three in Houston, Texas. 

Portugal opening games at recent tournaments
EURO 2024	Portugal 2-1 Czechia
World Cup 2022	Portugal 3-2 Ghana
EURO 2020	Portugal 3-0 Hungary
World Cup 2018	Portugal 3-3 Spain
EURO 2016	Portugal 1-1 Iceland

Over 3.5 goals (15/8 with Paddy Power)

With a predicted score of 3-1, we are tipping a bit of a goal fest to get Group K up and running. 

Portugal are blessed with incredible talent from back to front with Nuno Mendes at left back just as capable of causing problems as Ronaldo up front. 

With a midfield the envy of near-every side in the competition, they should create plenty of chances while DR Congo pack their own punch with Wissa looking to bounce back from a poor club season in the perfect manner. 

Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime (8/11 with Sky Bet)

Ronaldo’s position within the Portugal side will be one of the hot topics of the tournament with the legend slowing down by the year. 

However, the all-time leading scorer in international football still has a brilliant record for his country with eight goals in his last 11 games. 

We think he’ll get his record-breaking sixth World Cup off to the ideal start with a 144th goal either from open play or the penalty spot. 

Bruno Fernandes to provide an assist (5/2 with Ladbrokes)

If Portugal score three goals, it feels near-certain Bruno Fernandes will be involved in at least one of them. 

The Manchester United captain is at the absolute peak of his considerable powers having broke the Premier League assist record last season, laying on 21 goals to his teammates. 

The 31-year-old has also been in sparkling form for his country of late and could be the man to unlock the likes of Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Pedro Neto further forward. 

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Portugal vs. Congo Lineups: Predicted Starting XIs

Here’s how we think the two sides will line up in Houston as Cristiano Ronaldo makes the Portugal XI at the age of 41:

Portugal predicted lineup to play DR Congo

Costa GK) – Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes – Vitinha, Neves, Fernandes – Silva, Neto, Ronaldo

• Martinez will likely name what looks like his strongest side on paper with three members of PSG’s Champions League winning side joining the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva. 
• Joao Cancelo looks likely to beat Diogo Dalot in the race to start at right-back. 
• Seven of the predicted XI either play or have played in the Premier League. 

DR Congo predicted lineup to play Portugal

Mpasi (GK) – Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku – Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau – Wissa, Bakambu

• The Congolese will line up with five at the back featuring several current or former Premier League players. 
• Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki is the key man in the midfield. 
• Cedric Bakambu is the leading scorer in the squad with 21 international goals and will start alongside Yoane Wissa up front. 

Portugal vs. Congo odds: Who is the favourite?

Portugal are massive favourites to beat Congo in the Group K opener. You can find the latest odds at the time of writing below, or follow it live with The Sporting News.

Result	Odds	Bet with
Portugal to win	2/7	Coral
Draw	24/5	Spreadex
DR Congo to win	10/1	Bet365

MORE: How to bet on the World Cup — a complete beginners’ guide

Bet Builder Tips: Portugal vs. Congo

Here is our favourite bet builder for the clash between Portugal and DR Congo today, which came to 7/1 with Bet365 at the time of writing.

• Portugal to win
• Over 3.5 goals 
• Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime 
• Bruno Fernandes anytime assist 

MORE: Latest Golden Boot Odds: Who will be the top goalscorer?

How to watch Portugal vs. Congo: Live Stream, TV Channel

Here is how to watch Portugal vs. DR Congo in their World Cup Group K clash:

• Date: Wednesday, June 17
• Venue: Houston Stadium, Houston, United States
• Time: 6:00 p.m.
• TV channel: BBC One
• Live stream: BBC iPlayer