⚽ Portugal vs. Congo DR Prediction: World Cup Picks & Best Bets (June 17)
While Portugal (-340) is heavily favored over Congo DR (+1000), my best Portugal vs. Congo DR prediction focuses on Portugal's offensive inconsistencies and Congo DR's proven back line. Below, my World Cup predictions highlight why this should be a low-scoring game that Portugal just narrowly escapes with a win.
Today's 1 p.m. ET match will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will air on FOX and Telemundo and stream on Peacock.
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
⚽ Portugal vs. Congo DR predictions: Pick to win & player prop bets
See all of our experts' soccer picks across the best World Cup betting sites.
| 💰 Best bets | 📊 Best odds | ⚖️ Wager (units) |
|---|---|---|
| Congo DR +1.5 | -106 via FanDuel | 1.5u -> 1.42u |
| Under 2.5 goals | +114 via FanDuel | 2u -> 2.28u |
| Portugal Under 1.5 goals | +166 via DraftKings | 1u -> 1.66u |
⚽ Who will win Portugal vs. Congo DR?
Portugal enters this match as the winners of three consecutive Friendlies. In each of those matches, Portugal scored twice. Yet, when it comes to competitive matches, Portugal enters the World Cup 1-1-1, with a 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland and a 2-2 draw against Hungary.
While it's easy to overlook Congo DR, this is a team with three shutouts in its last four games. In fact, they've held nine consecutive opponents to one goal or fewer in competitive games. That includes forcing a 1-1 tie against Senegal. Portugal will win, but this will be a much closer game than many expect.
Score prediction: Portugal 1, Congo DR 0
💵 My best bet: Under 2.5 goals (+114)
Congo DR's defense is legitimately good, and Portugal has been inconsistent offensively, scoring zero goals in two of their last six matches. Meanwhile, Portugal's defense hasn't allowed more than one goal in five consecutive matches, recording two shutouts during that span.
Congo DR has scored more than once in just one of their last five games. I expect them to get shut out here, so even if Portugal scores twice, this Under will safely hit.
🦶 Who will score in Portugal vs. Congo DR?
Follow all of our expert soccer betting analysis for the 2026 World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes, M, Portugal (+205)
First of all, the price of -135 for Cristiano Ronaldo is terrible. In what I expect to be a low-scoring game, I'm looking for value, and while Ronaldo doesn't provide that, Fernandes does. Our LJ Blut doesn't mind Ronaldo's price, though, and has a few ways to attack the superstar's props in his best Cristiano Ronaldo props and odds.
Fernandes has only scored one goal in four appearances with Portugal this year. But this is Fernandes' third World Cup, and he scored twice for Portugal in 2022. He's also scored nine goals with Manchester United in 35 appearances this season.
Best Portugal vs. Congo DR goal-scorer pick: Bruno Fernandes (+205 via DraftKings)
🥅 Will both teams score in Portugal vs. Congo DR?
No, both teams won't score in this game. Congo DR simply doesn't have enough offensive firepower to get the better of a defense with two shutouts in its last four matches. In their last two competitive matches, they've scored just one goal, and that was against the likes of Jamaica and Algeria, two teams well below the caliber of Portugal.
Both teams to score (BTTS) pick: No (-158 via FanDuel)
💡 How to bet on both teams to score (BTTS)
Our soccer expert Jeremy Vernon broke down how to bet BTTS at the World Cup with a full history and statistical analysis of the popular prop betting market across more than 7,000 matches.
📊 Portugal vs. Congo DR odds
We're tracking the latest World Cup odds and favorites to win this year's tournament.
📺 How to watch Portugal vs. Congo DR
- Date: Wednesday, June 17
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium (Houston)
- TV: FOX, Telemundo
- Streaming: Peacock
Related Articles
