The DR Congo national football team faces Portugal on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the NRG Stadium in Houston. The Seleção, fifth in the FIFA rankings, is the logical favorite against the Leopards, who are returning to the World Cup after a 52-year absence. Portugal has lost only one of its last six matches in all competitions, and Roberto Martinez has taken advantage of the preparation to refine his 4-3-3 system. Bruno Fernandes, who made 21 decisive passes in the Premier League in 2025-2026, will be responsible for feeding an offensive sector dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo. The DR Congo has waited 52 years to return to the world stage, a qualifying campaign that required the elimination of Cameroon, Nigeria on penalties in the African playoffs, and Jamaica in extra time in the intercontinental playoff. The recent record of Sébastien Desabre's team is more mixed with two wins, one draw, and two losses. The Leopards rely on a solid defensive organization and quick transitions, with Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu as the main offensive threats. The stakes are high for the DR Congo, which knows that a positive result against Portugal would upset the group hierarchy. Portugal has no confirmed injuries for this entry and has its full squad of 26 players available. Rafael Leão, who was sent off in the friendly match against Chile, is also available. The European qualifying campaign confirmed the offensive power of the Portuguese team with 20 goals scored in six matches. Portugal has conceded three goals in its last four matches with a 4-3-3 offensive system that leaves spaces behind the full-backs. Ronaldo, 41, is participating in his sixth World Cup, a record in the history of men's football, with 143 goals in 228 selections and eight goals in the World Cup final phase.