Portugal vs DR Congo Bet Builder Tips: 15/1 for CR7 to keep on shooting

A fancied Portugal team, featuring several of Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League winning stars and Cristiano Ronaldo, begin their World Cup campaign in Houston with a game against DR Congo (12pm local, 6pm BST, BBC One). 

So can Roberto Martinez’s men get off to a winning start? Find my Portgual vs DR Congo Bet Builder Tips down below. 

Portugal vs DR Congo Odds

Cristiano Ronaldo 5+ shots

How could we write this piece without discussing Ronaldo? He is the focus of a lot of talk ahead of this World Cup. At 41, this does feel like his last chance at the ultimate prize, but then again, that’s what we thought in Qatar.

The man who has never scored a World Cup knockout goal will be desperate to change that in North America, and Portugal have a squad that can compete with any at the tournament. Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Neves are all elite talents, but how will they fare with Ronaldo up top?

I think he will start the group games, and be more desperate than ever to show he’s still got it. Expect DR Congo and Uzbekistan to be on the receiving end of a barrage of CR7 shots, as he attempts to get up and running with a goal. He is just 3/5 to score anytime, but I can’t trust his shooting anymore. I was also tempted to back him to get two on target, but the same theory applies. 

Ronaldo will shoot any chance he gets. Free-kicks are his, and he isn’t shy of having a go even when he is in poor form. He had 161 shots in the Saudi Pro League this season, 101 off target and 60 on target. He averaged 5.54 shots per 90 in Saudi Arabia, and I think it is fair to expect this average to continue against DR Congo - with the world watching. 

Ronaldo, playing or not, will always grab the headlines. I’m hoping he keeps on shooting for our Bet Builder. With Betfred’s Sub Switch, even if he gets taken off, our bet rolls onto his replacement, which is likely to be a hungry Goncalo Ramos. 

Bruno Fernandes to score or assist

The real Portuguese star for this tournament? Bruno Fernandes is in the form of his life, having broken the Premier League assist record with 21 for Manchester United in 2025/26. He is going to be given a free role with Vitinha and Joao Neves alongside him, and I think he is going to soar at the World Cup. 

I think he’s set to get at least a goal or an assist against Congo, who I do think are better than they are potentially being credited for. That’s the reason I’m not including Portugal to win in this Bet Builder at a short price, but instead I’ll back Bruno to contribute one way or another.

Noah Sadiki to be carded

This looks to be a great value selection as well, which takes our Bet Builder up to 15/1. Noah Sadiki has been fantastic for Sunderland this season, and he is going to start in midfield for DR Congo in this World Cup. 

They are going to have to do a fair bit of defending against arguably the best midfield trio at this World Cup, and Sadiki isn’t shy when it comes to bookings. He got nine in 33 Premier League appearances, and I think up against Vitinha and Co. is a great price to get carded. 

Betfred's Sub Switch offer rolls your bet to the oncoming substitute, so you stay in the game, even when your player doesn’t.

*Click here for the latest World Cup Odds

Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.

Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.