Congo DR return as Rúben Dias misses Portugal opener

The wait is over, Portugal up first

Your team is back. Congo DR face Portugal on Wednesday in the Group K opener at the 2026 World Cup, the first appearance in 52 years (1) (3) (4). The match kicks off in the evening, US time, with Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim officiating.

Rúben Dias out, a break for Congo DR

Portugal will be without their defensive leader Rúben Dias for the opener (7). The centre-back has a light injury and Roberto Martínez confirmed it bluntly: "Rúben is not fully fit, there is no point taking risks" (7). Tomás Araújo is expected to partner Gonçalo Inácio in his place (3) (7). That is a significant opening for your attack.

Portugal name a loaded side

The Portuguese squad is stacked: Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, João Félix, Vitinha, Diogo Costa, Nuno Mendes, João Cancelo, all expected to start (3). Bruno Fernandes addressed the press ahead of the match, previewing Portugal's opener (5). Congo DR are expected to line up with Wissa, Mbemba, and Wan-Bissaka in the eleven (3).

"One of the best teams in the world"

The Congo DR coach did not shy away from the scale of the task. "It's one of the best teams in the world," he said of Portugal (8). No mind games. Just respect, and the quiet confidence that comes with a team that fought through a 21-day quarantine in Belgium just to reach this stage.

Martínez dismisses exit talk

Roberto Martínez swatted away questions about his future before the match. "I'll say there is no story," he told the Spanish press (6).

Ronaldo's last dance

Every outlet covering this match frames it the same way: Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup (9). The Portuguese captain, now 41, begins his sixth tournament, chasing a trophy that has eluded him. Congo DR have a chance to write themselves into that narrative the hard way.