Portugal, fresh off a Nations League victory, enters the World Cup as a strong contender, beginning their campaign Wednesday against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The DR Congo team will play without the support of their own fans due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region, impacting travel and public gatherings. This presents a unique challenge for the Congolese squad as they compete on the world stage. The match marks the start of group stage play for both nations. Despite the absence of home support, DR Congo aims to make a competitive showing. Portugal’s team, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, is widely expected to advance from the group. Health officials are monitoring the situation closely to prevent any potential spread of the virus during the tournament.