Kickoff Times Around the World
| City | Local Time | Timezone | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTC | 17:00 | UTC | Wednesday 17 June 2026 |
| London | 18:00 | BST | Wednesday 17 June 2026 |
| Paris | 19:00 | CEST | Wednesday 17 June 2026 |
| Madrid | 19:00 | CEST | Wednesday 17 June 2026 |
| Budapest | 19:00 | CEST | Wednesday 17 June 2026 |
| Bucharest | 20:00 | EEST | Wednesday 17 June 2026 |
| New York | 1:00 PM | EDT | Wednesday 17 June 2026 |
| Los Angeles | 10:00 AM | PDT | Wednesday 17 June 2026 |
| Mumbai | 22:30 | IST | Wednesday 17 June 2026 |
| Sydney | 03:00 | AEST | Thursday 18 June 2026 |
United Kingdom
British football fans are in a fortunate position for this one: both the BBC and ITV hold joint free-to-air rights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United Kingdom, meaning every match — including Portugal vs Congo DR — is available without a pay-TV subscription.
The BBC will broadcast its coverage across BBC One and BBC Two, with live streaming available via BBC iPlayer at no cost to anyone with a valid UK TV licence. ITV’s coverage runs on ITV1 and is also available to stream live and on demand through ITVX, which is free to access. It is worth checking each broadcaster’s published schedules closer to kick-off to confirm which channel holds the specific broadcast slot for this fixture, as the BBC and ITV typically split matches across their respective platforms.
For fans on the move, both iPlayer and ITVX are available on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and games consoles, making it straightforward to follow the 18:00 BST kick-off from almost any device.
United States and Canada
In the United States, FOX Sports holds the English-language rights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This match will be broadcast on either FOX or FS1 depending on scheduling allocations — check the FOX Sports app and the FOX Sports website for the confirmed channel listing in advance. Streaming in English is available through the FOX Sports app and via FuboTV, which carries both FOX and FS1 as part of its live sports packages.
For Spanish-language audiences, Telemundo is the home of World Cup coverage in the US, with streaming available on Peacock. Given the significance of Portugal and their sizable Hispanic fanbase in North America, Telemundo’s production is likely to be a popular choice.
The 1:00 PM EDT kick-off on a Wednesday afternoon is a working-hours slot on the East Coast, though the 10:00 AM PDT start on the West Coast offers a more accessible morning window.
In Canada, TSN and CTV share broadcast rights to the World Cup. CTV, as a free-to-air network, is the one to check first for confirmed free broadcast availability. TSN provides coverage across its family of channels and via the TSN app, which requires a subscription or a participating TV provider login. French-language viewers in Canada should look to RDS and TVA Sports for coverage.
Streaming Without a Subscription
FIFA does not currently operate a free live-streaming platform equivalent to UEFA.tv for its own competitions. Confirmed free streaming options in a given territory are tied to whichever rights-holder in that market offers a free digital service — such as BBC iPlayer in the UK or CTV in Canada.
Some fans use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access geo-restricted streams from other countries. It is worth noting that using a VPN to access a stream outside your licensed territory may breach the terms of service of that broadcaster and potentially the terms of your VPN provider. This guide does not endorse circumventing regional broadcast rights.
For highlights after the final whistle, FIFA’s official YouTube channel and social media accounts typically publish short-form clips and post-match content, though full-match replays are not made freely available through official channels.
Our Match Preview
For a deeper look at the tactical matchups, squad considerations, and what is at stake for both sides in this World Cup group-stage clash, read our full preview and prediction at Portugal vs Congo DR – FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview.
FAQ
- What time is Portugal vs Congo DR in the UK?
- Portugal vs Congo DR kicks off at 18:00 BST on Wednesday 17 June 2026.
- Is Portugal vs Congo DR on free TV?
- Yes, in the UK it is on free-to-air television — either BBC One or ITV1. In the US, FOX (where available over-the-air) and in Canada, CTV also offer free-to-air options. Availability varies by country.
- Where can I stream Portugal vs Congo DR?
- In the UK, stream free via BBC iPlayer or ITVX. In the US, use the FOX Sports app (English) or Peacock via Telemundo (Spanish). In Canada, stream via the TSN app or CTV's digital platforms.
- What channel is Portugal vs Congo DR on in the US?
- English-language coverage is on FOX or FS1, depending on the confirmed schedule. Spanish-language coverage is on Telemundo. Check the FOX Sports app for the specific channel allocation.
- Can I watch Portugal vs Congo DR on YouTube?
- No live broadcast of Portugal vs Congo DR is expected on YouTube. FIFA's official YouTube channel typically posts short highlights clips after matches, but full live or replay coverage is not freely available through official YouTube channels.
