The Portugal national football team enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament favorites. Coach Roberto Martínez has guided his side through an impressive preparation period, with victories over the United States men’s national soccer team, Nigeria national football team, and Chile national football team in their final warm-up matches.
Portugal begin their Group K campaign against DR Congo national football team, and they are widely expected to start with a victory.
While Portugal possess significantly greater individual quality, many of their recent wins have not been particularly dominant from a betting perspective. Over their last nine matches, Portugal have covered the Asian handicap only twice and failed to do so on seven occasions.
DR Congo, meanwhile, have emerged as one of Africa’s most improved teams. Their recent defeat to Chile ended a remarkable run stretching back to October 2025, during which they recorded seven wins and five draws in thirteen matches. Notably, they remained unbeaten in their two most recent encounters against European opposition.
As a result, although Portugal are clear favorites to win, DR Congo may prove difficult to break down.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head
Portugal
- Three consecutive victories entering the tournament.
- One of the strongest squads in the competition.
- Only two Asian handicap covers in their last nine matches.
DR Congo
- Just one defeat in their last thirteen matches.
- Seven wins and five draws during that span.
- Competitive against higher-ranked opposition.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first official meeting between Portugal and DR Congo.
Team News
Portugal
- No significant injury concerns.
- Full squad available for selection.
DR Congo
- Strongest lineup expected.
- No major absences reported.
Probable Lineups
Portugal
Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Inácio, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto.
DR Congo
Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Wissa, Bakambu.
Betting Analysis
Asian Handicap: DR Congo +1.5
Portugal’s recent results suggest they often win without covering large handicaps.
DR Congo have been one of the most reliable betting teams in recent months, suffering only one defeat in thirteen matches and covering the handicap in ten of those contests.
The African side should be capable of keeping the scoreline respectable.
Pick: DR Congo +1.5
Over/Under: Under 2.75 Goals
Portugal’s last four matches have produced only eight goals combined, averaging exactly two goals per game.
Meanwhile, eleven of DR Congo’s last thirteen matches have finished with two goals or fewer.
Given Portugal’s tendency to control matches rather than overwhelm opponents and DR Congo’s defensive discipline, a low-scoring encounter appears likely.
Pick: Under 2.75 Goals
Cards Market
Portugal generally play with good discipline, averaging fewer than two cards per match recently.
Four of DR Congo’s last five matches have featured three cards or fewer.
This suggests a relatively clean contest compared with many World Cup group-stage fixtures.
Pick: Under 3.5 Total Cards