The Portugal World Cup campaign kicks off against DR Congo in Houston on Wednesday with expectations high this could finally be their year. From Eusebio to Luis Figo , the Iberian nation has boasted some of the game’s best talents but have never managed to turn that into World Cup glory, finishing third in 1966 and fourth in 2006.
However, with the calibre of player available to Roberto Martinez in North America , Portugal can have few excuses for not putting in a serious challenge and they are 15/2 fourth-favourites with BOYLE Sports to walk off with the big prize.
Cristiano Ronaldo is available after escaping a ban while the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes provide an impressive supporting cast to the 41-year-old great in his World Cup swansong.
They should be far too strong for a DR Congo side who have qualified for the World Cup for only the second time, having played in the 1974 edition as Zaire . Our opening Portugal v DR Congo prediction is a BOYLE Sports Super Boost of Ronaldo to score @ Evens.
Betting Odds
Portugal vs DR Congo Betting Odds – 2026 World Cup
Result | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Portugal | 2/7 | 77.8% |
DR Congo | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Draw | 4/1 | 20% |
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
Portugal are 2/7 favourites to beat DR Congo , who are 10/1 for the win, with the draw at 4/1.
How to Watch
How to watch Portugal vs DR Congo
The World Cup Group K match is scheduled to begin at 18:00 BST on Wednesday and will be shown live on BBC1.
Early Payout Offer
2+ Goals Early Payout at BOYLE Sports
There's nothing worse than watching the team you backed throw away a lead. With BOYLE Sports' Early Payout offer, it doesn't have to cost you. Back a team in the match betting market, and if they go 2 goals ahead at any point during the 90 minutes, you get paid out as a winner, even if they go on to draw or lose. T&Cs apply.
Form Guides
Portugal form guide
Portugal had to wait until the final round of qualifiers to book their World Cup spot but did so in style in the end. Without the services of banned captain Ronaldo following his red card in the 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland , Portugal pummelled Armenia 9-1 with Fernandes and Neves scoring hat-tricks.
Since that win in November, a 0-0 draw with Mexico was followed by wins over USA (2-0), Chile (2-1) and Nigeria (2-1) in the Portugal World Cup warm-up games. In keeping with that form, the reigning Nations League champions and Euro 2016 winners are 7/4 to beat DR Congo 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1, and 15/8 to win both halves, both in a BOYLE Sports Price Boost .
DR Congo form guide
DR Congo finally managed to end their 52-year wait for a World Cup return but they had to take the long route to get there. The Leopards just missed out on automatic qualification in the first round of CAF qualifiers , finishing two points behind Senegal , which meant they had to go through the play-off pathway.
There they edged past Cameroon in the semi-finals, former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba scoring a stoppage-time winner, before beating Nigeria on penalties in the final. That was still only enough to send DR Congo through to the inter-confederation play-off, but Axel Tuanzebe’s extra-time goal against Jamaica ended up being the golden ticket for Africa’s second largest country.
DR Congo, who reached the last 16 at AFCON earlier this year, have played two friendlies since that March victory over Jamaica , drawing with Denmark 0-0 before losing 2-1 to Chile . Sebastien Desabre’s side tend not to concede many and you can get 4/9 for there to be under 3.5 goals in total. You can also get 15/2 for the Leopards to be leading at half-time in our World Cup tips today , should you expect Portugal to make a slow start.
Betting Tips
Portugal vs DR Congo Betting Tips
Cristiano Ronaldo to score @ Evens
Portugal to win both halves @ 15/8
Under 3.5 goals in total @ 4/9
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
Bet on Football Odds at BOYLE Sports
Prices are subject to fluctuation
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly
Not all opinions are equal. The BOYLE Sports Team is made up of experts who know the sports and betting world inside out, delivering the kind of insights and analysis that give you a real edge where it matters most.
