FIFA WC: When and where to watch Portugal vs DR Congo; know all details
Houston, June 16
Portugal will kick off their 2026 World Cup journey against DR Congo on Wednesday, aiming for an ideal start in Group K, which also features Colombia and Uzbekistan. Widely considered favourites to progress, Roberto Martinez's side will be keen to secure three points early and strengthen their bid to finish top of the group.
The spotlight will once again fall on Cristiano Ronaldo, who enters what is expected to be his sixth and final World Cup. At 41, the Portuguese captain has already lifted the UEFA European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles, but the World Cup remains the one major honour missing from his glittering career.
For DR Congo, the tournament marks a long-awaited return to football's biggest stage after more than five decades. Their only previous appearance came in 1974, when the nation competed as Zaire. Having finally ended a 52-year absence from the World Cup, Sebastien Desabre's side will now look to build on that achievement and prove they can challenge more established opponents in Group K.
How to watch Portugal vs DR Congo live in India:
Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.
Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.
Key details:
Date and kick-off time: Wednesday, June 17, 10.30 PM IST
Venue: Houston Stadium, Texas, USA
Referee: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim
Squads:
Portugal-
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Nelson Semedo, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, Tomas Araujo
Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Samuel Costa, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva
Forwards: João Félix, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos; Cristiano Ronaldo
DR Congo-
Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi, Mike Epolo
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Gedeon Kalulu, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Nathan Mukau, Charles Pickel, Ngal'ayel Mukau Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Theo Bongonda, Gael Kakuta
Forwards: Meschack Elia, Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a football fan in India, I'm just glad Zee5 is streaming it. But honestly, the subscription cost is a bit much for just one tournament. Will watch the highlights instead. Hope Ronaldo can finally win the World Cup trophy before he retires! 🌟
Portugal vs DR Congo at 10:30 PM IST is perfect for Indian viewers! That's prime time. But I feel DR Congo will be no pushover—they've got some solid players like Wan-Bissaka and Mbemba. Should be an interesting match!
I'm a huge CR7 fan, but honestly, I'm a bit worried about Portugal's depth in midfield. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva are world-class, but the bench looks thin. And DR Congo's return after 52 years is a beautiful story—hope they put up a fight! ✨
Watching Portugal vs DR Congo on Wednesday night—this is going to be epic! But Zee5 subscription? Seriously? Sports fans in India already pay for so much. This should be on free-to-air TV like Star Sports used to do. Anyway, come on Portugal! 🇵🇹
It's amazing that DR Congo is back after 52 years! I remember reading about their 1974 team as Zaire—what a history. Meanwhile, Ronaldo chasing that elusive World Cup trophy... Bhai, the emotions will be high! Hope it's a classic match! 🙌
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