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US Hosts Portugal-DR Congo; Ronaldo Eyes Sixth World Cup Goal

6/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The United States will host the Group K opener on June 17 at 6 pm at NRG Stadium in Houston, where Portugal meets DR Congo.
Portugal will line up a predicted XI that includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, will try to become the first player to score in six World Cup editions.
Betting markets list Portugal as 2/7 favorites with a 3-1 scoreline at 12/1.

History

Historical Context

In 1966, Portugal surprised the world by finishing third at England’s World Cup, with Eusebio netting nine goals. The team has qualified for eight finals, reaching a fourth-place finish in 2006, and Ronaldo has appeared in five tournaments (2006-2022). He now targets a sixth World Cup appearance in 2026, hoping to add to Portugal’s historic scoring legacy.

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Story summary

The United States will host the Group K opener on June 17 at 6 pm at NRG Stadium in Houston, where Portugal meets DR Congo.
Portugal will line up a predicted XI that includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, will try to become the first player to score in six World Cup editions.
Betting markets list Portugal as 2/7 favorites with a 3-1 scoreline at 12/1.

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