Portugal kicks off its 2026 World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Group K match is set for 12:00 p.m. local time, which translates to roughly 17:00 to 18:00 UTC depending on your time zone math.
For DR Congo, this is a generational moment. Their last World Cup appearance was in 1974, making this a 52-year gap between tournaments. Portugal, meanwhile, enters as the clear group favorite alongside Colombia and Uzbekistan.
Group K breakdown and what’s at stake
The final draw, published on May 5, 2026, placed Portugal in Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. Portugal qualified by winning UEFA Group F. Cristiano Ronaldo and other key squad members have reportedly been training in Houston ahead of the opener. Portuguese broadcast networks are gearing up for wall-to-wall coverage, with fans back home already sorting out their viewing options on major networks.
Houston’s NRG Stadium, a venue that seats over 72,000, gets the honor of hosting this particular group stage fixture.
