Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal runs during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Portugal will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against DR Congo today, with Roberto Martinez’s side aiming to make a strong start in Group K and take an early step towards the knockout stages.
The match, scheduled for 8:00pm (Qatar time) at Houston Stadium, will open the World Cup journey for both teams in a group that also features Uzbekistan and Colombia. With every point likely to prove crucial in the race for qualification, Portugal and DR Congo will both be determined to begin their campaigns on a positive note.
Portugal arrive in the United States after topping UEFA qualifying Group F to secure direct qualification for the tournament. Under Martinez, the Portuguese have continued to establish themselves among the strongest teams in Europe, blending experienced stars with a talented new generation capable of challenging the world’s best sides.
Although Portugal have never won the FIFA World Cup, they remain one of the most respected teams in international football. Their best performance came in 1966 when they finished third, while they reached the quarter-finals at the last completed World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
With a squad packed with quality and experience, expectations are once again high as they seek to make a deep run in the competition.
Martinez believes his side is fully prepared after completing their pre-tournament preparations.
“We used 26 players across two matches and they’re all ready for the World Cup,” the Portugal coach said.
The Spaniard added that the recent friendlies had helped his team sharpen their focus ahead of the group stage.
“After the friendlies, we are better prepared to face DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia,” Martinez said.
“I think we are prepared in every aspect to carry the pride and the dreams of our Portuguese people.”
Veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play a leading role as Portugal pursue their World Cup ambitions. The forward, who remains one of the most influential figures in the game, stressed the importance of starting the tournament strongly.
“What matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first game against DR Congo and then when the pressure really starts to mount,” Ronaldo said.
While Portugal are among the favourites to progress from Group K, DR Congo arrive at the tournament carrying the confidence of a remarkable qualification campaign. The African side finished second in CAF qualifying Group B before keeping their World Cup dream alive through the FIFA Intercontinental Play-offs.
Their place in the finals was secured with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Jamaica after extra time in the Intercontinental Play-off Final on March 31, earning one of the final two wildcard spots at the tournament.
For DR Congo, the qualification represents a historic achievement. The Leopards have reached the World Cup finals only once before, when they competed as Zaire at the 1974 tournament in West Germany. More than five decades later, they return to football’s biggest stage hoping to make a stronger impression and create new history.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre has urged his players to remain focused on the immediate challenge ahead.
“We are focused on the first game against Portugal and doing well,” Desabre said. “All three games are important, but we are not looking past Portugal for now.”
