Portugal v DR Congo LIVE: World Cup 2026 team news and score updates as Cristiano begins sixth campaign

A reminder that Ronaldo was sent off in his last competitive match for Portugal – against Ireland in a qualifying defeat in Dublin – but had the last two games of a three-match ban suspended by Fifa … so he would not miss the start of this tournament.

He has since featured in friendlies – which have not quite gone swimmingly.

Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on BBC 1, BBCiPlayer and the BBC Sport website, with coverage starting at 5:30pm BST.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of Portugal vs DR Congo with the Group K opener getting underway in Houston, Texas at 6pm BST or midday local time.

The attention will be on Cristiano Ronaldo for abundant obvious reasons – he will be the hero or villain in the next month depending on how far Portugal go.

Yet they do face a moderately difficult start to their campaign against a DR Congo side whose form guide suggests no shortage of hard work with a sprinkling of unpredictable talent.

It should be good fun and you can follow every meaningful kick right here.