World Cup 2026 / Portugal - DR Congo: the official lineups are in!

17.06.26 FT World Cup

Portugal

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DR Congo

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Portugal and DR Congo kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a much-anticipated Group K showdown. With the Seleção tipped as title contenders and the Leopards making their long-awaited return to the global stage after 52 years, the official lineups have now been revealed.

Portugal and DR Congo take center stage at this 2026 World Cup. This Wednesday, June 17, in Houston, the two sides face off in a Group K clash that could prove crucial in the race for qualification, with Colombia also drawn in this group.

Read also: 2026 World Cup: Emiliano Martínez predicts Algeria will beat Jordan and Austria

On one side, Portugal—featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and João Neves—are eager to start their World Cup journey in style. On the other, DR Congo return to football's grandest stage for the first time since their lone appearance in 1974, determined to pull off a surprise.

The official starting lineups have been announced.

Portugal: Diogo Costa – Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Tomás Araújo, João Cancelo – Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes – Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto.

DR Congo: Mpasi – Masuaku, Kapuadi, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Wan-Bissaka – Mukau, Moutoussamy, E. Kayembe – Bakambu, Wissa.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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