It’s one of the great comebacks of this World Cup. Fifty-two years after Zaire’s adventure in 1974, the Democratic Republic of Congo are back on the global stage — and the draw showed no mercy. The Leopards open their Group K campaign against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on Wednesday 17 June 2026 (kick-off 1:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CET) at NRG Stadium in Houston.
For DR Congo, simply being here is already an achievement. To qualify, Sébastien Desabre’s side knocked out two African heavyweights — Cameroon then Nigeria — before edging Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off. Theirs is a robust, largely Europe-based generation: Chancel Mbemba marshalling the defence, Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa up front, plus a cluster of Ligue 1 talents. The one setback is an injury to defender Bushiri, called up before being forced to withdraw. In a group that also features Colombia and Uzbekistan, the Leopards know every point will matter in the race for a best-third-place spot.
Portugal, for their part, arrive as genuine title contenders, with Cristiano Ronaldo set to grace what is surely his final World Cup. Built around a glittering midfield — João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes — and boasting a polished build-up (wins over Chile and Nigeria), Roberto Martínez’s side are heavy favourites. On paper, the gap is clear, and the bookmakers agree. But a Congolese team capable of eliminating Cameroon and Nigeria is no pushover — and an entire continent will be cheering the Leopards on, determined to make a statement.