Portugal's Possible Lineup to Face DR Congo at the FIFA World Cup 2026

Teaser: Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead Portugal's attack as the Seleção begins its World Cup campaign against DR Congo in Group K.

Portugal begins its World Cup journey

The Portugal national team is ready to begin its quest for World Cup glory when it takes on DR Congo in its opening match of Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As one of the tournament favorites, Portugal arrives with a squad loaded with talent, experience, and depth across every position. Head coach Roberto Martínez is expected to field a strong lineup from the start as the Seleção looks to secure three important points in its first match of the competition.

All eyes, however, will once again be on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is playing in his historic sixth FIFA World Cup and could be appearing in the final World Cup tournament of his legendary career.

FIFA World Cup

How And Where To Watch: Portugal vs DR Congo

A squad filled with quality

Portugal enters the tournament with one of the deepest rosters in international football.

The combination of experienced leaders such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Rúben Dias, alongside younger stars like João Neves, Vitinha, and Nuno Mendes, gives Roberto Martínez a variety of tactical options.

The Portuguese squad is expected to dominate possession and control the tempo of matches through its technically gifted midfield while using pace and creativity in wide areas to unlock opposing defenses.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group F - Portugal v Hungary - Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal - October 14, 2025 Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal with Renato Veiga REUTERS/Pedro Nunes

Portugal's possible lineup

Recent reports from the Portuguese camp suggest Martínez has a clear idea of the team he wants to use for the opener against DR Congo.

Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa

Defenders: Mateus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes

Midfielders: João Neves, Vitinha

Attacking Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto

Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the attack once again

Even at 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point of Portugal's attack.

The Al-Nassr star arrives at the tournament looking to add another chapter to one of the most remarkable international careers in football history. Surrounding him will be a creative supporting cast capable of supplying chances from every area of the field.

Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva are expected to play key roles in creating opportunities, while Pedro Neto's pace and directness could provide Portugal with another dangerous attacking outlet.

Portugal hopes to make an early statement

Portugal enters the match as the favorite, but Roberto Martínez knows there is little room for complacency in a World Cup.

DR Congo has earned its place on football's biggest stage through a strong qualifying campaign and possesses the athleticism and physicality to create problems for any opponent.

For Portugal, a convincing performance in the opener would not only provide an important three points but also send a message to the rest of the tournament that the Seleção is ready to challenge for the biggest prize in international football.