LIVE NOW: Portugal vs DR Congo, FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Score: Ronaldo's last dance begins for the elusive crown. Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the FIFA World Cup match between Portugal and DR Congo. The moment millions have been waiting for is finally here. At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo steps onto the World Cup stage for a record-equalling sixth time tonight, a feat shared only with Lionel Messi. Ronaldo has confirmed this will be his last World Cup, making every minute in Houston charged with emotion and history. His coach Roberto Martinez summed it up perfectly: "It's his sixth World Cup, but I can say that internally it feels like his first, in terms of intensity, emotional strength, and how important it is for him to be prepared to help the team." The World Cup, the only major trophy missing from the Portuguese cabinet, awaits. CR7's last shot at glory begins today against DR Congo, who are making a comeback to the World Cup stage after 62 years. Don't miss a second of it right here on Portugal vs DR Congo Live Score.
21:57 (IST) Jun 17: FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Score: Ronaldo starts up front for Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Portugal and will make an appearance today in his record sixth World Cup, joining Lionel Messi in reaching that feat. Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Goncalo Inacio and Francisco Trincao all drop down to the bench after featuring in Portugal's final warm-up game.
21:43 (IST) Jun 17: Portugal vs DR Congo Live Score: Playing XIs are here
Portugal (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves; Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; Cristiano Ronaldo. Subs: Nélson Semedo, Diogo Dalot, Rui Silva, Francisco Conceição, João Félix, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Inácio, Francisco Trincão, José Sá, Gonçalo Ramos, Matheus Nunes, Rafael Leão, Rúben Neves, Samú Costa, Rúben Dias.
Congo DR (5-3-2): Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi, Arthur Masuaku; Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Edo Kayembe; Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa. Subs: Simon Banza, Dylan Batubinsika, Théo Bongonda, Meschack Elia, Matthieu Epolo, Timothy Fayulu, Gaël Kakuta, Fiston Mayele, Gédéon Kalulu, Joris Kayembe, Brian Cipenga, Nathanaël Mbuku, Charles Pickel, Noah Sadiki, Aaron Tshibola.
21:38 (IST) Jun 17: Portugal vs DR Congo Live Score: No fear, says DR Congo head coach
DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has sent a thunderous message to his players ahead of tonight's Group K opener — play without fear, play your game. "I want my team to play, so we'll take risks. Those risks will be measured. There's no fear ahead of those big events," Desabre told reporters. And as for the 100 million Congolese fans watching from home? Desabre said: "We have 100 million Congolese people who will be watching us. Of course, we want to perform well. We want to show courage. And we'll do our best on the pitch." Desabre added: "We adapted to the situation. We worked well, we played two tough friendlies and here we are. Now it is another step for us."
21:35 (IST) Jun 17: Portugal vs DR Congo Live Score: Martinez sounds the war cry
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez is keeping his eyes firmly on the prize. When asked about his future beyond this tournament, he brushed the question aside, saying: "The most important thing is to focus on winning the World Cup." On the opposition, Martinez was measured but respectful. "We are talking about a team that eliminated Cameroon and Nigeria. It is a very tactically flexible team and doesn't just know how to defend in a low block. It is a pressing team, and we greatly respect the Democratic Republic of Congo as a team," the Spanish coach said at his pre-match press conference. On readiness, Martinez was bullish: "We had a very good, very positive training camp. We are adjusting very well to the time zone and working with the humidity and temperature in Miami. The conditions are excellent, and now we are prepared."
21:33 (IST) Jun 17: DR Congo vs Portugal Live Score: First World Cup meeting between Portugal and DR Congo
This is not just another World Cup opener. Tonight's clash at Houston Stadium is a first-ever meeting between Portugal and DR Congo in senior international football. DR Congo are making only their second World Cup appearance, and their first since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. Only Wales, Egypt and Norway have had longer gaps than the Leopards' 52-year wait between tournaments — a remarkable story of patience, resilience and footballing revival. The Congolese secured their place through the intercontinental playoff, defeating Jamaica 1-0 in Guadalajara, becoming the last of the 48 teams to book their ticket to the party. Meanwhile, Portugal arrive as the group favourites after a dominant qualifying campaign that saw them score 20 goals in six matches.
DR Congo vs Portugal Live Score: Welcome to our live coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup!
Group K officially kicks off today with an absolute blockbuster as European heavyweights Portugal take on a resilient DR Congo at the Houston Stadium in Texas. All eyes will naturally be trained on one man — Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41, the legendary forward is embarking on a historic, record-equalling sixth World Cup campaign. For Ronaldo and the Seleção, this tournament represents what could be the final charge toward the one ultimate trophy that has eluded them. Backed by a star-studded squad featuring the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Vitinha, Roberto Martínez's men enter the tournament as heavy favourites, looking to assert their dominance right from the opening whistle. However, DR Congo's Leopards are not here just to make up the numbers. Making their return to the world stage for the first time since 1974 (when they played as Zaire), Sébastien Desabre's side is fueled by immense pride and the backing of 100 million fans back home. Armed with dangerous Premier League talent like Yoane Wissa and a rock-solid defence led by Chancel Mbemba, the African nation is eager to test their mettle against the best in the world. With tournament debutants Uzbekistan and a tricky Colombia side waiting in the wings in Group K, neither team can afford an early slip-up. Will Ronaldo ignite his final World Cup chapter with a masterclass, or can the Leopards pull off a historic upset in Houston?
