Last Word on Football brings you the Portugal predicted lineup and the latest team news ahead of their opening 2026 World Cup game against DR Congo.
The Portuguese have won three of four friendly games in 2026, with the most recent being a 2-1 victory against Nigeria on June 10. They come into this tournament with a plethora of elite players, including Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite being a huge outsider to defeat Portugal, DR Congo has players some will recognise, with Chancel Mbemba, the former Newcastle player, Noah Sadiki of Sunderland, and experienced striker Cedric Bakambu. They lost 2-1 to Chile in their final warm-up game.
Portugal Predicted Lineup and Latest Team News vs DR Congo
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Venue: Houston Stadium, Houston.
Kick-off: 18:00 BST, 1 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT.
Last meeting: This is the first-ever meeting between the two countries.
Referee: Abdulrahman Al Jassim.
Current odds: Portugal 1/4, DR Congo 9/1, Draw 5/1 (Sky Bet).
Read More: 2026 World Cup Matchday 7 Predictions Including England vs Croatia
Portugal Team News
Portugal eased through qualifying and have won their last three fixtures leading up to the World Cup. Alex Crook of talkSPORT is reporting that Portugal manager Roberto Martinez will step down regardless of what happens at the 2026 World Cup. This has yet to be confirmed by Martinez or any team official.
Crook spoke about the news on Drive with Rory Jennings and Darren Bent: “I am told it is his decision not to renew his contract with Martinez looking to return to club management either in the Premier League or a top European side, or potentially, take over one of the other big European nations.
“We’ve not heard anything publicly about it, but no doubt, he will be asked about it the next time he faces the media.
“But the decision has been made in conjunction with the Portuguese FA, so they can start looking for a potential successor.
“I think had Jose Mourinho not already taken that job at Real Madrid, he would have been a genuine contender.
“It might galvanise the Portuguese players to send Martinez out on a high.
“Before I came out here, I thought Portugal were being overlooked, but when you look at the talent they’ve got…
“There are a lot of question marks over Cristiano Ronaldo.
“But I haven’t seen a team yet that will be as good as Portugal might well be.”
Read More: World Cup Projections for Groups G through L including England, Argentina, and France
Roberto Martinez’s team come into their first game against DR Congo with no significant injury concerns. They are also blessed with arguably the best midfield in world football, and their attack is spearheaded by one of the greatest attackers of all time, in Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal Predicted Lineup
D Costa, Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes, J Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha, Bernardo, Ronaldo, Neto.
Featured Image Credit:
REUTERS/Marco Bello
