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The 2026 World Cup caught global attention on Tuesday, and it’s safe to say that Portugal’s captain Cristiano Ronaldo was keeping a close eye as Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland dominated the headlines.

Ronaldo is set to feature in his sixth World Cup when he leads Portugal against DR Congo at the NRG Stadium. This milestone will see him draw level with his long-time Argentinian rival Messi. The key question for Portugal’s manager in Houston today is whether Ronaldo can surpass Messi by scoring in a sixth consecutive World Cup.

The Group K clash between Portugal and DR Congo could potentially make history as the World Cup match with the most shots attempted by a single player in the tournament’s 96-year history.

Portugal WIN - 2/9

Draw - 9/2

DR Congo WIN - 11/1

The day already marks a special occasion for the Leopards. Portugal’s opponents are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, and for the first time ever under the name Democratic Republic of Congo.

Back in 1974, competing as Zaire, the team travelled to West Germany but lost all three of their group stage fixtures without scoring. This time, with talents like Yoane Wissa, Chancel Mbemba, and several players active in Europe’s top divisions, DR Congo are hopeful of achieving their first goal, first point, and possibly first win at the World Cup.

However, if head coach Sebastien Desabre has pinpointed a particular Group K match to make those breakthroughs, this is unlikely to be the one. Portugal have been ever-present at the World Cup since 2002 and advanced past the group stage in both 2018 and 2022 editions.

The Iberian team are the clear favourites to open their campaign with a victory and to top the group overall. After cruising through qualification, manager Roberto Martinez and the 41-year-old Ronaldo have been preparing for what many expect to be their final World Cup appearance together.

Portugal have arrived in the United States in superb form. Since their surprise defeat to the Republic of Ireland in the penultimate qualifier, they have gone unbeaten — sealing qualification with a 9-1 win over Armenia and following that up with friendly victories over the USA, Chile, and Nigeria.

With upcoming fixtures against debutants Uzbekistan and 2014 quarter-finalists Colombia, Portugal have the opportunity to solidify their standing in the group by claiming maximum points against DR Congo in the opener.

As long as the squad stays united and clinical in attack, this is a chance they are unlikely to let slip.

Fans can catch the Portugal vs DR Congo Group K fixture of the 2026 World Cup live and free. Full broadcast details are available in our viewing guide.

The match will be televised live on BBC in the UK, FOX in the United States, and SBS in Australia.

What’s your prediction for Portugal vs DR Congo? Will Cristiano Ronaldo add another record to his name? Share your thoughts below...