DR Congo’s historic World Cup return as they face Portugal
Wednesday June 17, 2026 For the first time in over 52 years, DR Congo will play a world cup match when they take on one of the tournament favourites Portugal at Houston stadium on Wednesday. Sebastien Desabre’s charges qualified for the global showpiece when they beat Jamaica 1-0 in the intercontinental final in Jamaica in […] The post DR Congo’s historic World Cup return as they face Portugal appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
Black News 
Wednesday June 17, 2026
- Houston stadium, 8pm [EAT]
For the first time in over 52 years, DR Congo will play a world cup match when they take on one of the tournament favourites Portugal at Houston stadium on Wednesday.
Sebastien Desabre’s charges qualified for the global showpiece when they beat Jamaica 1-0 in the intercontinental final in Jamaica in March thanks to Axel Tuanzebe goal.
This will be their biggest test in Group K that also has Colombia and Uzbekistan and Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo who will be favourites to top the group.
The Leopards have star names in their squad Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa and Noah Sadiki among others.
Meanwhile, Portugal, one of the biggest under achievers in world football given the talents they have had over a time will hope to end a wait for the world cup trophy.
Their biggest achievement was finishing 3rd in 1966. Since then, it has been a struggle for the national side, who were fourth in 2006 and losing quarter-finalists last time out in Qatar.
Portugal have no injury concerns heading into this match, and there are unlikely to be any major surprises when it comes to their starting XI.
Ronaldo will be aiming to add to his 143 international goals this summer and will be looking to improve on a disappointing 2022 World Cup, which saw him only register once.
Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Vitinha are all set to start off the back of helping Paris Saint-Germain to win the 2025-26 Champions League, while Bruno Fernandes, who had an outstanding season for Manchester United, will also feature in the first XI.
In the same group, Uzbekistan lock horns with Colombia on Thursday at 5am
How to watchAll 104 matches will be live on DStv on four dedicated FIFA World Cup Channels in multiple languages. The Channels are FIFA World Cup Central (Channel 222), FIFA World Cup Extra (Channel 223), FIFA World Cup Pass (Channel 225), and FIFA World Cup Swahili (Channel 224).
The post DR Congo’s historic World Cup return as they face Portugal appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
