Portugal vs DR Congo: TV Channels, Live Streaming, Kick-Off Time & Team Updates | World Cup 2026

Where to Watch Portugal vs DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup

The match between Portugal and DR Congo kicks off on June 17, 2026, at 18:00 local time from Houston Stadium. Fans looking to catch the action live have multiple options depending on their location and preferred device.

Using a VPN for Streaming Access

If you face regional restrictions or blackout rules when trying to watch the game, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) might help. A VPN like ExpressVPN can create a secure, encrypted connection and let you appear as if you are streaming from a country where the match is broadcast.

• Download & Install: Register with a trusted VPN provider such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, then install their app on your device.
• Connect to a Server: Choose a server in a country airing the match (e.g., switch to a US server if you're in the UK but want to watch a US stream).
• Clear Cache: Refresh your browser or clear cookies to ensure your new location is recognized.
• Start Watching: Visit your broadcaster's site or use their app to enjoy the game live.

Watching on Larger Screens

Live football shines best on a big screen. For smart TVs and devices like Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast with Google TV, native VPN apps are often available via the app store—log in and connect as you do on your phone.

For Apple TV, Roku, or gaming consoles, which usually don’t support VPN apps directly, alternatives include using Smart DNS services found in your VPN account settings or casting the stream from a VPN-enabled phone or laptop.

Team News and Lineups

Portugal is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, managed by Roberto Martinez, with no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this Group K opener. Key players likely to feature include goalkeeper Diogo Costa, defenders Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo, midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, and Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack.

DR Congo, coached by Sebastien Desabre, also appears free from injury concerns and will likely deploy a 5-3-2 formation. Starting players may include goalkeeper Loic Mpasi-Nzau, defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Cédric Mbemba, and forwards Cedric Bakambu and Yannick Bolasie Wissa.

Current Form

Portugal arrives in strong shape, winning four out of five recent matches and drawing once. Their victories include back-to-back 2-1 wins over Nigeria and Chile in June friendlies, plus a 2-0 away win against the USA earlier in the year. The only draw was a goalless game against Mexico. Across those five fixtures, they scored 14 goals and conceded just 3, featuring a standout 9-1 triumph over Armenia in World Cup qualifiers.

DR Congo has had mixed results, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five games. Their latest match ended in a 2-1 loss to Chile. Other results include a 1-0 defeat to Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations and a 1-0 qualifying win over Jamaica. Overall, they netted 4 goals while conceding 3 in this period.

Head-to-Head and Standings

No previous competitive meetings exist between these two teams, making this encounter a fresh chapter in their history.

In Group K standings before the matchday, DR Congo occupies second place, with Portugal sitting third.