Where to Watch Portugal vs D.R. Congo | FIFA World Cup 2026 - June 17
The match between Portugal and D.R. Congo marks the start of their FIFA World Cup 2026 journeys on June 17 in Houston, Texas. Portugal arrives as a strong contender while D.R. Congo returns to the World Cup stage after 52 years. This group stage opener is expected to be intense right from kickoff.
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Match Preview
Portugal has been impressive lately with 10 wins, 2 draws, and only 1 loss in their last 13 games, including a massive 9-1 win over Armenia during qualification. Their attack is led by Cristiano Ronaldo, the only player to have scored in five World Cups, scoring three times in his last four World Cup matches against African teams.
Despite their domestic success, Portugal’s World Cup record in openers shows only one win in their last four. Their last tournament ended in a quarter-final exit to Morocco. Semi-finals since 1966 remain elusive.
D.R. Congo makes its first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they played as Zaire and lost all group games, conceding 14 goals. They qualified after a tight 1-0 play-off win over Jamaica. Coach Sébastien Desabre faces a challenge; the team hasn’t won any warm-up friendlies, and Ebola-related travel restrictions have limited fan support. Cédric Bakambu, who netted four goals in qualifying, is the player to watch. These two nations meet for the first time.
Broadcast Information
The match will be available worldwide on both free and subscription channels. In the UK, BBC One offers free coverage. US viewers can watch on Fox Network or via Peacock with a subscription, and Spanish speakers can tune into Telemundo. Portuguese fans can catch the game on Sport TV1/2/5 and SIC, though Sport TV requires a subscription. Brazilian audiences have options like Prime Video (subscription) or the free CazéTV stream. Germany's free-to-air option is ZDF, with Magenta TV as a paid alternative. Local listings should be checked to confirm exact channels.
Using a VPN to Watch Anywhere
Streaming rights vary by country, which can block access to certain broadcasts. A VPN lets you connect through servers in other countries, letting you watch as if you were there. This works across iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Smart TVs.
- Download and install a trusted VPN app.
- Connect to a server in a country that broadcasts the match, such as Germany for the free ZDF stream.
- Open the streaming platform, log in, and watch live.
We suggest NordVPN, offering over 9,500 servers in 224 locations, supporting up to 10 devices, and currently at 76% off plus 3 free months starting at $3.09/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Watching Through Sportsbooks
Many licensed sportsbooks stream live football for free if you have an account with funds. It's an easy way to watch and bet on the same screen.
- Create an account on a sportsbook covering World Cup 2026 matches and verify your identity.
- Deposit the minimum amount required to activate streaming.
- Find the Portugal vs D.R. Congo match in the sportsbook’s live section and click the play icon to start watching.
Streaming availability depends on your region and platform. Check each sportsbook’s terms before the match.
Don't miss this thrilling opening fixture where Ronaldo aims to make history and D.R. Congo steps back on the World Cup stage after decades. Stay tuned for post-match insights, results, and predictions on TipsGG.
