People who learn Portuguese usually do it because they are interested in Portugal or Brazil, not Angola or Timor Leste. Plus, Portuguese spoken in the former African colonies (+ Timor) is European Portuguese. They have their own accent of course, local words, but it’s European Portuguese. Same as French spoken in Africa is “European French”, not French from Quebec.
In a few decades / centuries things will be different.
It’s usually easier because they speak more slowly and don’t tend to eat words up as much as Portuguese people do.
Well for a foreigner having it right when speaking takes some time, believe me. These little things always are a bit difficult when speaking, and can be frustrating, because even if you know the rule, you don’t have time to think or correct yourself.
If it’s honestly a toss-up between the two, go with Spanish. They probably both will be easier, especially with your French work, but maybe Spanish a little more so. I think you’ll probably find better material and it’ll give you more gravitas in the US.