Portugal vs. DR Congo World Cup Match Preview, Picks & Odds for Wednesday, June 17, 2026

By Thom Cunningham | Jun 16, 2026, 6:06pm

Portugal begins its 2026 World Cup campaign as one of the favorites to possibility win the tournament, but must first take on a dangerous dark horse in DR Congo. Let’s dive into the betting data, trends, odds and insights for this Group K meeting from Houston, Texas.

Portugal vs. DR Congo World Cup Match Betting Analysis

Portugal enters this match with solid momentum, winning three in a row along with seven of its last 10 matches. The Portuguese have scored exactly two goals in three straight matches. All eyes will be on Ronaldo in this match, possibly his last World Cup appearances while scoring a goal in three of four World Cup matches against CAF clubs. His odds to score are minus-value, however. Surprisingly, we have much more data to work with in the DR Congo club.

They have failed to win their last three matches in 90 min regulation while also dropping three straight World Cup matches to nil. DR Congo has failed to see the BTS hit in 5 of 6 matches while the Under has hit in a remarkable 11 of 13 matches. What makes DR Congo a solid dark horse is the defense, heavily leaned on by this club with zero goals allowed in three of four matches along with Under 1.5 goals for opponents in 12 of 13 matches.

Portugal vs. DR Congo World Cup Match Best Bet, Pick & Prediction

Best Bet: POR/DRC Under 2.5 (+105) at DraftKings
Score Prediction: Portugal 2, DR Congo 0

Portugal vs. DR Congo World Cup Match Odds

Portugal vs. DR Congo World Cup Match Information

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. CT
Network: FOX
Location: Houston, Texas
Venue: NRG Stadium – 8 goals per match; 1-0 O/U
Group: Group K

Portugal vs. DR Congo World Cup Match Betting Resources

Portugal vs. DR Congo World Cup Match Key Players

Portugal

Cristano Ronaldo – Last Game: TBD
Bruno Fernandes – Last Game: TBD
Vitinha – Last Game: TBD

DR Congo

Chancel Mbemba – Last Game: TBD
Yoane Wissa – Last Game: TBD
Lionel Mpasi – Last Game: TBD

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Photo Credit: AP/Francisco Seco

Thom Cunningham

Thom Cunningham is the Lineups.com News Editor and has been involved with sports media for almost two decades at Spectrum, VegasInsider.com, Oddschecker, VSiN and much more as a content producer - focused on the betting and gaming space over the last decade tracking insights, data analytics and covering various markets from the NFL to the Oscars.