With a squad packed with Champions League winners, established internationals and one of the greatest players in football history still leading the line, Roberto Martinez's side arrive in North America believing they can compete for the biggest prize in the game.

The Selecao have long been regarded as one of international football's most talented nations, yet a World Cup title remains missing from an otherwise impressive collection of achievements. Their best finish came in 1966 when Eusebio inspired Portugal to third place, while a fourth-place finish in Germany 2006 remains their deepest run of the modern era.

Portugal were among the most convincing teams during qualification and have carried that momentum into the tournament, winning each of their final three warm-up matches against the United States, Chile and Nigeria.

Much of the spotlight will naturally fall on Cristiano Ronaldo.

The veteran captain is appearing at yet another World Cup and continues to defy expectations deep into his international career. While the Al-Nassr forward remains Portugal's most recognisable figure, this team is no longer built around a single star.

Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Vitinha arrive fresh from helping Paris Saint-Germain conquer Europe, while Bruno Fernandes enjoyed another outstanding campaign at club level and is expected to orchestrate Portugal's attack from midfield.

Bernardo Silva's intelligence between the lines and Pedro Neto's direct running should also provide Martinez's side with plenty of attacking threat.

Standing opposite them will be one of the tournament's most compelling stories.

DR Congo return to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years after a dramatic qualification journey that culminated in Axel Tuanzebe's extra-time winner against Jamaica in the intercontinental playoffs.

Sebastien Desabre has assembled a disciplined and competitive side capable of troubling more fancied opponents. The Leopards demonstrated that earlier this month when they held Denmark to a goalless draw before narrowly losing to Chile in their final preparation match.

Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba and Masuaku bring plenty of experience to the back line, with Wissa and Bakambu likely to provide the main attacking threat.

Portugal are widely expected to challenge for top spot in the group, while DR Congo know a strong opening performance could provide a significant boost to their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

The two nations have never previously met at senior international level. Portugal enter as favourites, but DR Congo's long-awaited return to football's biggest stage ensures they will be determined to make their mark.

Portugal predicted lineup:

Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto

DR Congo predicted lineup:

Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Wissa, Bakambu

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