As for Portugal’s opponents DR Congo are back on the World Cup stage for the first time since 1974 – when they played as Zaire.
It proved a chastening experience then with three defeats in the group stage, including a 9-0 hammering by Yugoslavia.
DR Congo went the hard way to book their place in the 2026 World Cup, having finished second behind Senegal in their qualifying group.
Captain Chancel Mbemba – formerly of Newcastle – was the hero as his stoppage time winner saw DR Congo Cameroon in the first of their play-off matches.
He then scored the winning penalty in a shoot-out against Nigeria to take them into the intercontinental play-offs in March.
Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the only goal in an extra-time win to secure DR Congo’s spot in Group K.
