Portugal and DR Congo will begin their World Cup journeys in Group K on Wednesday, June 17, at NRG Stadium in Houston, United States.
Roberto Martínez's side enters the tournament as a genuine contender. DR Congo returns to the global stage for the first time since appearing as Zaire in 1974.
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Team News and Key Players
Portugal boasts a highly talented midfield featuring Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Bernardo Silva.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to appear in his sixth World Cup after FIFA suspended a violent conduct ban until after the tournament.
The ban was picked up against the Republic of Ireland.
DR Congo reached the competition via the inter-confederation playoff by defeating Cameroon, Nigeria, and Jamaica.
Manager Sébastien Desabre has a fully fit squad. It includes former Premier League defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, and Arthur Masuaku.
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Portugal sits fifth in the FIFA world rankings, 41 places ahead of DR Congo.
Additional attacking options for Portugal include Pedro Neto and Rafael Leão. Sunderland's Noah Sadiki will anchor the midfield for the African nation.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The match kicks off at 1 p. m.
ET. Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim has been appointed to officiate the fixture.
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International broadcasters include FOX Network, fuboTV, Telemundo (United States); TSN+, TSN1, CTV (Canada); Canal 5 Televisa, Azteca 7 (Mexico); and BBC Sport Web, BBC One (United Kingdom).
