52-Year Wait Ends: DR Congo vs Portugal Opens World Cup Campaign

DR Congo Return To World Cup After 52 Years, Face Portugal Today

SÉBASTIEN DESABRE ON MATCHDAY

“Today we face one of the best teams in the world. Portugal deserves respect, but we’re ready and we’ll play our game.”

“This is about the whole team, not just Cristiano Ronaldo. Just being here is win #1 for us. Our goal is the knockout stage, and we have a plan to achieve it.”

“The squad is ready. 100 million Congolese are behind us. We’ll show courage and give everything.”

“We have a clear game plan and strong motivation. We know Portugal well, but we’ll lean on our own strengths.”

After a 52-year wait, DR Congo — formerly Zaire — kicks off its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign today against Portugal. The Leopards are back on football’s biggest stage.

Desabre’s side arrives with mixed friendly form: a solid 0-0 vs Denmark, then a tight 2-1 loss to Chile. But it was their qualifying run that showed character — knocking out Nigeria on penalties and beating Jamaica 1-0 in extra time to seal qualification.

DR Congo hit a late blow with defender Rocky Bushiri ruled out through an Achilles injury. Midfielder Aaron Tshibola comes in for depth.

Defensively, the Leopards look solid with Premier League experience: Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe are fit and expected to start, tasked with handling Portugal’s attack.

In midfield, Noah Sadiki and Samuel Moutoussamy will shield the backline and disrupt play. Up front, pace comes from Yoane Wissa, while veteran Cédric Bakambu leads the line.

DR Congo Predicted XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Wissa, Bakambu

Portugal Likely XI – Rúben Dias absent Predicted Lineup
Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
Defence: Diogo Dalot, Renato Veiga, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes
Midfield: João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes
Attack: Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix

A historic day for DR Congo.