#世界杯🏆2026 June 17 World Cup Predictions

Portugal vs. Democratic Republic of the Congo
This match is held at Houston Stadium, which features a retractable roof, a favorable condition given the local high temperature and humidity environment.
From a strength perspective on paper, Portugal's 1.01 billion is far stronger than the Congo's 144M.
Portugal's announced squad includes 15 players from the top five leagues, with the remaining players mainly from domestic leagues, Saudi leagues, and others.
The Portuguese team is generally well-rounded, with key players like 41-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo, midfield core Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, as well as forwards Leão and Félix, all in good health and ready for the first match.
Diaz's absence will have some impact on the team's central defense, aerial defense, and ball distribution, but substitutes like Thomas Araújo can fill in.
The Congo's announced squad includes 10 players from the top five leagues, with the rest mainly from various European national leagues.
Although Congo faced minor disruptions due to pandemic quarantine measures, their main lineup has not suffered significant injuries, and the team has assembled fully, ready to play their first match at any time.
This is a tactical contest between a top European possession and control powerhouse and an African team known for tough defense and counterattack.
Portugal boasts a luxurious squad with the second-highest market value at this World Cup, with a mature tactical system and the strongest attacking firepower on the field.
While Congo has resilient defense and strong physical confrontation ability, there is a clear gap in overall strength.
The key to this match lies in whether Portugal can, in the absence of Diaz, tear through the opponent's dense defense with strong midfield control, and whether Ronaldo can break the deadlock in the first game.
This match favors Portugal.