- Portugal are unbeaten in 5 matches, winning 4 and drawing 1.
- Portugal are on a 3-game winning streak.
- DR Congo have won only 1 of their last 3 away games.
In-form Portugal should overwhelm DR Congo
Portugal are heavy favorites to beat World Cup minnows DR Congo in the opening fixture in Group K on Wednesday and rightfully so. Roberto Martinez has fashioned a team that is greater than the sum of its parts in the first few months of his reign as national team coach, with a possession-based, patient and fluid system that has seen them win 7, draw 2 and lose only 1 of their last 10 games across all competitions.
Portugal's 4-3-3 system allows their two creative engines, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, to drift in and out of advanced positions, which allows them to break lines and dictate tempo from the centre of the park. Cristiano Ronaldo is still the talisman, of course, who could make a difference at any time in this game.
DR Congo, on the other hand, are a compact 4-1-4-1 team who will sit back in numbers and look to get the ball forward on the counter-attack via their wide players. Sebastien Desabre has done a fine job with the Leopards, leading them to their first World Cup since 1974 with a solid defensive strategy and a few moments of quality in transition.
Leopards can't escape the jungle
DR Congo have won six, drawn two and lost two of their last 10 matches across all competitions, which reflects the team's good form but also their limited ability to dominate teams. The Leopards have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six away matches, which is equally good form for a side that may struggle to get out of the group.
DR Congo's away form shows that they will not be overwhelmed by Portugal, but they are outmatched in the possession battle and have no answer for the likes of Ronaldo, who can unlock any defence on his day. The draw is priced at 5.7, which looks very short considering Portugal are 1.31 to win the fixture.
Backing the team to win and the over 2.5 goals at 1.65 looks the best way to play this one, as Portugal's superior form and attacking quality should tell in the end. DR Congo have the players to hurt the Portuguese at pace, particularly Gael Kakuta, who has scored two of DR Congo's last four goals. The wide players, Yoane Wissa and Theo Bongonda, are direct and fast on the flanks, which is perfect for this counter-attacking style of play.
Portugal have scored 16 goals in their last 5 home games in all competitions, averaging 3.20 goals per game. They beat the USA 2-0 in the States and Chile and Nigeria at home in their recent Friendly International Matches 2026, both of which finished 2-1 to the home sides. DR Congo have scored an average of 1.67 goals per away game, hitting ten goals in their last 6 on the road in all competitions, so a 2-1 Portugal win looks possible in Houston Stadium.
