HOUSTON – Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Portugal in their World Cup Group K opener against Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston on Wednesday.
Ronaldo, 41, features in a sixth World Cup after his debut in 2006, a record he shares with Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
Defender Ruben Dias is out with injury and instead Portugal have Tomas Araujo and Renato Veiga as their centre-back pairing.
Bernardo Silva starts for Portugal on the day his move to Real Madrid was confirmed by the LaLiga club.
Yoane Wissa starts up front for DR Congo alongside Cedric Bakambu.
DR Congo are playing a first match at the World Cup in 52 years, while Portugal feature in a seventh straight global finals and ninth overall. Teams: Portugal: Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Tomas Araujo, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, Bernado Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo. DR Congo: Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Steve Kapuadi, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba, Edo Kayembe, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa.
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