Portugal vs. DR Congo: World Cup 2026 Group K Opener in Houston
Portugal vs. DR Congo kicks off Group K at NRG Stadium (Houston) on June 17, 2026 — Cristiano Ronaldo's record sixth World Cup. Match preview, getting there, and the eSIM for match day.
Published June 10, 2026·5 min read
Summary
Portugal vs. DR Congo opens Group K at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on June 17, 2026 — the match where Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first man to play in six World Cups. Here's the preview, how to get to the 72,000-seat venue, and the one eSIM that keeps you online from kickoff to the final whistle.
The match: Portugal vs. DR Congo, June 17 in Houston
According to the official Group K schedule, Portugal open against DR Congo at NRG Stadium — the 72,000-seat Houston venue with a retractable roof and air conditioning, a real asset in Texas June heat. Portugal, FIFA's sixth-ranked side, build around Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set for a record sixth World Cup. DR Congo are back at the finals for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. See both squads in our Portugal fan guide and DR Congo fan guide.
The other Group K opener — Colombia vs. Uzbekistan at Estadio Azteca — plays the same day in Mexico City, so the group's shape will be clear within hours. For the full group picture, including how Group K splits between the USA and Mexico, see our Group K preview.
Match-day facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Wed, June 17, 2026 |
| Venue | NRG Stadium, Houston, TX (~72,000) |
| Group | Group K (with Colombia, Uzbekistan) |
| Nearest airport | William P. Hobby (HOU), ~9 mi |
Getting to NRG Stadium
NRG Stadium sits about 7 miles south of downtown Houston and is one of the easier host venues to reach by transit: the METRORail Red Line stops at Stadium Park/Astrodome right beside the venue. Driving means pre-paid parking that fills more than two hours before kickoff. Full routes are in our Houston getting-there guide, and our eat & stay guide covers where to base yourself. The rest of the slate is in the Houston match schedule.
eSIM vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi for World Cup travel
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
Mobile tickets in the FIFA World Cup 26™ app, METRORail times, and rideshare back to your hotel all run on data, and stadium Wi-Fi buckles under 72,000-plus people. A North America eSIM puts you on T-Mobile or AT&T the moment you land at Houston Hobby (HOU) or Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and follows you to any other host city — including across the border for Group K's Mexico matches — without swapping plans. From US$5 with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card — see the Houston connectivity guide for the full rundown.
FAQ
QWhen and where is Portugal vs. DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup?
APortugal vs. DR Congo kicks off June 17, 2026 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. It's a Group K opening match in the Houston host region.
QWhat group are Portugal and DR Congo in for World Cup 2026?
ABoth are in Group K alongside Colombia and Uzbekistan. Portugal vs. DR Congo (Houston) and Colombia vs. Uzbekistan (Mexico City) are the two opening Group K fixtures, both played on June 17, 2026.
QHow do I get to NRG Stadium for the match?
ANRG Stadium sits about 7 miles south of downtown Houston and is reachable by the METRORail Red Line, which stops at Stadium Park/Astrodome right by the venue. Driving means pre-paid parking that fills more than two hours before kickoff.
QWhat's the best way to stay connected on match day?
AA local North America eSIM rides US 5G networks built for stadium crowds, while international roaming often slows to a crawl when 72,000 fans are online at once. Install it before you fly and it works across every host city.
Bottom line
Portugal vs. DR Congo is opening weekend's history note — Ronaldo's record sixth World Cup, against a nation back on the big stage after 52 years. Sort your route to NRG Stadium, scan the rest of Group K, and grab a World Cup 2026 eSIM so every ticket scan, map, and rideshare just works.