Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup campaign began on a disappointing note as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) in their opening Group K match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The result marked DR Congo’s first-ever point at a World Cup finals and highlighted a historic moment for the African side.
DR Congo make history on the big stage
Portugal started strongly and took an early lead through Joao Neves, who powered a header into the net from a Pedro Neto cross in the sixth minute. The early goal suggested a comfortable night for the European side.
However, DR Congo gradually grew into the match despite Portugal dominating possession. The African team, playing their first World Cup since 1974 when they were known as Zaire, showed resilience and discipline throughout the first half.
Their persistence paid off just before half-time. Yoane Wissa rose unmarked to head past Diogo Costa, bringing DR Congo level. The goal sparked emotional celebrations among the players, coaching staff, and travelling supporters, as Wissa registered his nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.
Portugal struggle to break through
Even though Portugal controlled much of the game, they lacked sharpness in the final third. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, had a quiet outing and struggled to influence the match, especially when compared to Lionel Messi’s standout performance earlier in the week.
Portugal had moments where they looked ready to regain the lead. Joao Cancelo even found the net with an overhead kick, but the effort was ruled out for offside, denying them a potential advantage.
Bernardo Silva, who had been in the spotlight after recent transfer news involving Real Madrid, started the match but was substituted at half-time by coach Roberto Martinez after a quiet performance.
DR Congo threaten and push Portugal
The Congolese side were not just defending. They created real attacking threats of their own. Veteran striker Cedric Bakambu nearly scored after shrugging off Bruno Fernandes, but his powerful shot struck the post.
DR Congo’s confidence grew as they continued to match Portugal in key moments, showing no fear against the more experienced European team.
Ronaldo’s missed chances
Ronaldo eventually found opportunities in the second half, but he was unable to convert them. On one occasion, Francisco Conceicao set him up, but the shot went wide of the post. Minutes later, the pair combined again, with Conceicao creating another clear chance, yet Ronaldo once again failed to hit the target.
Frustration grew for Portugal as their star forward struggled to deliver in crucial moments. Even a potential corner decision that went against them added to their disappointment, with Conceicao reacting angrily by slamming the ball into the ground.
A hard-fought draw with historic meaning
Despite Portugal’s pressure, DR Congo held firm to secure a valuable 1-1 draw. The result was historic for them, earning their first-ever point at a World Cup finals and marking a memorable return to the tournament after decades away.
The match also carried emotional undertones, with some Portugal players wearing wristbands in tribute to their late teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash last year.
In the end, Portugal left frustrated with missed chances, while DR Congo celebrated a landmark achievement on football’s biggest stage.