Portugal and DR Congo kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign this Wednesday, June 17, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas (5:00 p.m. GMT).
FIFA has entrusted the match to an experienced officiating team led by Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim.
This match marks DR Congo’s long-awaited World Cup return, 52 years after Zaire’s 1974 appearance.
After more than five decades of absence and a heroic qualifying campaign that culminated in the intercontinental playoffs, the Leopards are stepping onto the field with the firm intention of shaking up the global rankings.
Standing in their way is a perennial contender: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Ranked among the tournament’s top favorites after a flawless run in the European qualifiers, the Selecao enters this tournament with a roster blending historic leaders and world-class talent.
This opening match promises to be a thrilling clash of styles between the Portuguese team’s technical and collective mastery and the Congolese team’s compact, lightning-fast unit, which is determined to make a strong debut.
